Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who spent nearly 60 hours in Pakistan's custody after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down by Pakistan Air Force F-16s in February, will be awarded the Vir Chakra gallantry medal on Independence Day.

Vir Chakra is the third highest honour after the Paramvir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra. This development comes days after reports of the gallantry award emerged for his bravery.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who spent nearly 60 hours in Pakistan's custody after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down by Pakistan Air Force F-16s in February, will be awarded the Vir Chakra gallantry medal on Independence Day.

Vir Chakra is the third highest honour after the Paramvir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra. This development comes days after reports of the gallantry award emerged for his bravery.