New Delhi: Indian Air Force Ace Pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was given a VIR Chakra by President RAM Nath Kovind at a investment ceremony on Monday.
Varthaman was recently promoted to the rank of group captain.
Varthaman shot down Pakistan F-16 fighter plane after being involved in the queue at An Aerial Dogfight on February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot IAF air strike.
The Varthaman MIG-21 was also exposed during the battle and he had to issue a region controlled by Pakistan.
He was later detained by Pakistani troops.
Pakistan was forced to release him under extensive pressure from India.
Abhinandan is part of the 51 Srinagar-based squadrons and has flown to thwart air strikes launched by Pakistan.
India launched an air strike above the massage in Balaakot Khyber Province Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, was run by Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 26.
This happened after the CRPF convoy was ambushed in Pulwama, J & K by Jaish terrorists on February 14, 2019, killing 40 Jawan.
(With input from Ani)