Wing Commander Abhinandan, aside from the making the headlines throughout February, became an overnight sensation following his return from Pakistan, with people from all corners of the world applauding his bravery. The IAF pilot, while he remained in Pakistan's custody for 60 hours, refused to divulge any sort of information that would have put India in jeopardy.

"Indian Air Force’s Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal to be conferred with Yudh Seva Medal for her role as a fighter controller during the February 27 aerial conflict between India & Pakistan post IAF airstrikes in Balakot," ANI's post on Twitter read.

Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani Army on February 27 after his MiG-21 Bison fighter jet was hit by Pakistan Air Force jets near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. He was returned to India at the Attari-Wagah border at 9.15 pm on March 1 upon Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s orders.