Those who challenged India's pride are 'biting dust': Pradhan

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Friday those who challenged the country's pride and dignity were "biting the dust".

Addressing an event here, the Union minister said it was a matter of great joy that Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was returning home from his nearly three-day captivity in Pakistan.

The minister's comments came hours before Abhinandan was handed over to India by the Pakistani authorities at 9.10 pm.

"Those who challenged India's self respect, pride and dignity were defeated and are biting the dust now. Many people raised questions and criticised (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi, but now everything is being proved," he said, after inaugurating a number of oil sector projects in Assam.

Pradhan said the impact of foreign nations on Pakistan and the "warm reception" to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet in Abu Dhabi were the "result" of Modi's influence in the global arena, "although he has been criticised for touring the entire world".

"Even Pakistan had to boycott the OIC meet. It happened only because of Modi's influence... When our security and pride are at stake and challenge to our Army, everyone in the country gets united. We are pained at the loss of 40 lives (in the Pulwama attack).

"But, the prime minister believed in the strength of our Army, Navy and Air Force. As an Indian citizen, he left it to them where and how to handle the situation. Within 15 days, the enemy was forced to bite the dust," the minister added.