India has issued a firm and categorical denial against reports circulating in Pakistani media that claimed New Delhi refused to grant airspace permission for Pakistani flights carrying crucial humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. Official sources have clarified that India processed the request on an expedited basis, viewing it through a purely humanitarian lens.
Swift Clearance on Humanitarian Grounds
Contrary to the misleading reports, Indian government sources revealed that the request from Pakistan, which pertained to delivering humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, was cleared rapidly. The official confirmation was communicated to the Government of Pakistan at 17:30 hours Indian Standard Time (IST) through established official channels. Emphasizing the speed of the process, a source stated that "It was processed at the shortest notice period of four hours."
A Gesture Despite Existing Restrictions
This decision holds significant weight as it was made despite Pakistan's longstanding ban on the use of its airspace for Indian commercial airlines. Indian officials stressed that this clearance was considered "purely on humanitarian grounds," setting aside bilateral tensions to facilitate aid delivery to a neighbor in need. The move underscores India's consistent policy of prioritizing humanitarian concerns in the region.
India Condemns Baseless Propaganda
Responding strongly to the inaccurate reports, an Indian official accused sections of the Pakistani media of indulging in their usual propaganda and peddling fake news. "These allegations are baseless and misleading," the official asserted. The government clarified that all requests for overflight or transit are processed strictly in accordance with established procedures and international norms, not political considerations.
The official further elaborated that India's decisions regarding airspace permissions are always governed by standard operational, technical, and security assessments. This structured approach ensures that such critical permissions are handled professionally and transparently, without letting external narratives influence the process.
