NEW DELHI - The Indian Air Force confirmed for the first time on Friday that it shot down one of its own Mi-17 choppers in February over Occupied Kashmir, killing all six onboard.
"A court of inquiry was completed and it was our mistake that our missile hit our chopper," said the head of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria.
Indian Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.—Photo courtesy: ANI
"We will ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future," he told reporters. The military helicopter crashed on February 27 as Indian and Pakistani aircraft engaged in dogfights over Occupied Kashmir in their most serious military skirmish in years.
The Indian military at the time gave no reason for the helicopter crash although media reports cited unnamed sources as saying it was friendly fire.
The incident had taken place during a period of heightened India-Pakistan tensions, the same day that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down an Indian aircraft arrested an Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, on the ground.
Pakistan later handed over the arrested Indian air force pilot as a goodwill gesture.
Pakistani rupee rate against US Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal - Check 20 April forex rates
Pakistani currency remains marginally same against US Dollar and other currencies on April 20, 2024. US dollar was being quoted at 277.5 for buying and 280.5 for selling.
Euro comes down to 293 for buying and 296 for selling while British Pound stands at 342.25 for buying, and 345.65 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED was at 75.25 and Saudi Riyal's new rates was at 73.30.
Today’s currency exchange rates in Pakistan - 20 April 2024
Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)
