New Delhi, February 27: Shortly after Pakistan released a video of an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot in their custody, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement calling it a violation of the Geneva Convention rules which mandate how a defence personnel should be treated after being taken into custody.

In a strongly worded statement, the MEA called Pakistan's act of sharing a clip of conversation with the IAF pilot as "vulgar". It further warned the neighbouring country against taking any measure which causes harm to the detained Indian pilot. Pakistan Does a U-Turn, Now Says 'Only 1 IAF Pilot In Custody'.

"It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," the statement reads.

"India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention," it further adds.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Army spokesperson had claimed that two 2 Indian defence personnel landed on their soil after they intercepted two IAF warplanes. However, a fresh statement was issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations - the military's communication wing - claiming that "only 1 pilot is in our custody".

Meanwhile, India had summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah following the violation of airspace by Islamabad, and lodged a strong complaint against the act of aggression. A meeting was also convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was attended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat, to review the security situation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2019 07:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).