Archive · 19 May 2025
1971 War: IAF Pilot's Capture and Pakistani Captivity
During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, an Indian Air Force pilot named Jawahar Lal Bhargava was shot down in Pakistan.
He ejected from his plane and tried to pass himself off as a Pakistani pilot.
He was captured and taken prisoner when he failed to recite the Kalma, a Muslim declaration of faith.
Bhargava spent a year in captivity before being released and reunited with his family.
His wife displayed resilience during his absence.
Air Commodore Jawahar Lal Bhargava was captured during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
His aircraft was shot down over Pakistan on December 5, 1971.
He attempted to pose as a Pakistani pilot after ejecting from his aircraft.
He was identified and arrested after failing to recite the Kalma.
Bhargava returned to India on December 1, 1972, after approximately a year of captivity.
- Who
- Air Commodore Jawahar Lal Bhargava
- What
- An Indian Air Force pilot was captured during the 1971 war.
- When
- December 5, 1971
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- His aircraft was shot down, and he was captured after failing to recite the Kalma.
- Pilot's Name
- Air Commodore Jawahar Lal Bhargava
- War
- 1971 India-Pakistan war
- Aircraft Type
- HF-24 (Marut)
- Date of Crash
- December 5, 1971
- Location of Crash
- Pakistan (near Rajasthan)
- Duration of Captivity
- Approximately 1 year
- POW Return Date
- December 1, 1972
