Pakistan has handed over an Indian pilot captured after his plane was shot down by the military amid a dramatic confrontation between the rival countries over the disputed Kashmir region.
Officials brought the pilot, identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, to the border crossing with India at Wagah and handed him back.
On the Indian side of the border, officials greeted the pilot who was in a dark blue suit, accompanied by a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Islamabad has said that the handover was a gesture of peace that could defuse tensions and avoid another war between India and Pakistan.
Mr Varthaman was shot down on Wednesday in the Pakistani-held area of Kashmir.
Update 11:26am:
Officials from Pakistan have brought the Indian pilot captured from a downed plane to a border crossing with India for a handover.
The pilot, identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was taken in a convoy that set out from the eastern city of Lahore to the border crossing at Wagah, escorted by military vehicles.
On the Indian side of the border, policemen lined the road as a group of cheering Indian residents from the area waved the national flag and held up a huge garland of flowers to welcome him back.
Islamabad has said the handover is a gesture of peace that could defuse tensions and avoid another war between India and Pakistan.
Discover more from London Glossy Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
