India wants Pakistan to return Indian Air Force wing commander Abhinandan Varthman unharmed and unconditionally, top government sources told CNBC-TV18. IAF pilot Varthman was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down by Pakistani forces.

Indian on Wednesday said, while retaliating against Pakistani jets violating Indian air space, India lost one IAF plane and one pilot was arrested by Pakistan.

India will take strict actions against Pakistan if anything happened to Varthman, according to sources. "There is no question of a deal with Pakistan," said sources to CNBC-TV18. India did not ask for consular access for the pilot.

Around 20 Pakistani aircraft violated Indian air space and dropped missiles and bombs on military targets along the Line of Control, added sources, leaving no option for India but retaliate.

First Published:Feb 28, 2019 3:18 PM IST