Pakistan has handed back an Indian pilot who has become the face of the worst military crisis between the two countries in decades in a gesture aimed at demonstrating its willingness to de-escalate the conflict.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over to Indian officials near a border crossing with Pakistan.

Minutes earlier, the pilot said on Pakistani TV that he was “very impressed” by the Pakistan army.

On Thursday Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said the pilot’s release was a “peace gesture” to India.

India and Pakistan – both nuclear powers – claim all of Kashmir, but each controls only parts of it.

On Friday Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the events of the past few days had “brought our nation closer”.