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The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has now confirmed that one MiG-21 pilot of the Indian Air Force was missing in counter action where IAF successfully shot down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet.
MEA spokesperson confirmed that India had lost one MiG 21 Bison aircraft and its pilot was missing in action.
Raveesh Kumar also said that the Indian government will ascertain the claims made by Pakistan of capturing an Indian pilot.
Earlier, Pakistan claimed that they have captured an Indian Air Force pilot.
Follow latest updates on India Pakistan tensions in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack here
Read full statement by MEA spokesperson:
India had informed about Counter Terrorism (CT) action it took yesterday against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan based on credible evidence that JeM intended to launch more attacks. Against this Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan’s attempts were foiled successfully.
The Pakistan Air Force was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side. In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts.
