An Indian pilot whose fighter jet was shot down over the Pakistan-administered area of Kashmir says he was “saved” by the Pakistani army after being chased by “agitated” bystanders.

Abhinandan Varthaman, 35, who has been handed back to India in what Pakistan called a “goodwill gesture”, also accused the Indian media of blowing up “every little thing into a big issue”.

In a video filmed while he was still in Pakistan, Mr Varthaman described what happened after he ejected and parachuted down to the ground.

“I had a pistol with me and there were a number of people chasing me,” he said. “They were agitated.

“Then two Pakistani military personnel came and saved me.”

He added that a “captain came and saved me from the people and didn’t let them harm me”. He was given “first aid and was taken to a hospital”.

In the run-up to his release, people celebrated in the streets of New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage.”

One of India’s biggest film stars, Shah Rukh Khan, said: “Ur bravery makes us stronger. Eternally grateful.”

Mr Varthaman, who joined the Indian air force in 2004, was flying a Russian-made MiG-21 when he was shot down on Wednesday.

The wing commander landed close to the village of Horra’n in the Bhimber district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, about four miles (6km) from the Line of Control – a de-facto border in the disputed region.

He is the son of a retired air marshal, Simhakutty Varthaman, and a doctor. The father-of-one’s wife Thanvi is a former squadron leader in the Indian air force.

He added in his video statement: “The Pakistani army officers treated me very well – they are a professional army. I have spent time with the Pakistan army and I’m very impressed.

“The Indian media blows up every little thing into a big issue. They add fire to everything and people get influenced.”

The handover went ahead despite cross-border attacks across Kashmir continuing for a fourth day.

Thousands of Indian and Pakistani soldiers faced off along the Line of Control.

Tensions have been running high since Indian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace late last month and carried out what India called a pre-emptive strike against militants behind a suicide bombing in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which killed 40 soldiers.

Pakistan shot down two planes in retaliation on Wednesday and captured Mr Varthaman.

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