Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's capture was the centrepiece of hostilities between India and Pakistan last week after his fighter jet was shot down in Pakistani-controlled territory.
Hailed a national hero, Indian men have turned to the razor in an apparent show of support, seeking to emulate the look, which is a variation of the classic gunslinger - now known as the 'Abhinandan'.
According to local media, a hairdresser in Bengaluru planned to give hundreds of men the now iconic look for free on Monday.
"Considering the popularity of our proud soldier, we decided to give free 'Abhinandan Cut' to all for a day at my salon and spa," hairdresser Nanesh Thakur told the Press Trust of India.
"By offering the cut, I will be instilling patriotism among the youth, which will motivate them to choose a career in the defence services," he said.
Others simply took to social media to show off their 'stache, using the hashtag #AbhinandanMoustache.
The trend hasn't escaped the attention of the commercial sector, with dairy company Amul posting a new ad on Saturday with the tagline "Mooch: To Abhinandan from Amul".
The advertisement features a series of men grooming their moustaches in the style of the pilot, before ending on a young girl with a milk moustache.
Mr Varthaman became an overnight hero when videos released by Pakistan's Information Ministry showing his calm demeanour while captured became a symbol for peace in the region.
The pilot was captured after his MiG fighter went down as he chased Pakistani jets over disputed Kashmir on Wednesday. He was ejected to safety but was set upon by a crowd on the Pakistani side of the ceasefire line that divides Kashmir.
Pakistan's foreign ministry insisted Mr Varthaman was "treated with dignity and in line with international law".
In a heavily edited video distributed by the Pakistani military just before his release on Friday, he praised the professionalism of the Pakistani army and criticised Indian media for creating war hysteria.
