One MIG 21 pilot missing in fight against Pakistan: MEA
New Delhi : A MIG 21 pilot is missing after India's fighter jet crashed on Pakistan's land on Wednesday, said MEA. Pakistan claims that the pilot is in their custody, however, India is checking the facts and information.
Pakistan's air strike bid on Wednesday was successfully foiled by the Indian Air Force. The neighbouring nation attacked with F16 fighter jet plane, in retaliating, India instantly fought back with MIG 21 fighter jets.
A Pakistan's F16 plane has been shot down by the Indian Air Force, however, one MIG 21 plane with pilot in action is missing.
"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," said the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left an event early and met with top officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Defence and Foreign Secretaries and intelligence officials.
Amid rising tension, India will avoid the Pakistani airspace, said officials. Eight airports in north India, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, were declared shut by the Airports Authority of India, but the order was withdrawn within hours.
