India has dismissed Pakistan's accusations regarding the delayed clearance for a Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, labeling the claims as "ridiculous" and "misinformation". The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the request for clearance was received and processed expeditiously.
Pakistani officials had claimed that India deliberately delayed granting overflight clearance for the aid flight, which was intended to deliver assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah. They alleged that the delay hindered the timely delivery of crucial relief supplies and accused India of violating international humanitarian norms. Some reports indicated that Pakistan claimed the flight was delayed for over 60 hours. The Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka also released a statement accusing India of "shenanigans" that blocked the humanitarian relief operation.
However, these allegations were strongly refuted by Indian officials. According to sources, the formal request for overflight was submitted by Pakistan around 1:00 PM (IST) on December 1, 2025, seeking same-day permission. The Indian government responded by granting clearance at 5:30 PM (IST) the same day, processing the request within four hours. Indian officials emphasized that the decision was made swiftly, considering the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka.
The MEA spokesperson further clarified that the clearance was granted despite existing airspace restrictions between India and Pakistan. Tensions between the two countries had led to the closure of their airspaces to each other's aircraft earlier in the year. Despite these strained relations, India prioritized the humanitarian aspect of the situation and facilitated the overflight.
India has also been actively involved in providing assistance to Sri Lanka through "Operation Sagar Bandhu". This operation involves the deployment of naval assets, air support, and disaster response teams to support relief efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and pledged India's continued support. India's rapid response and extensive aid contributions underscore its commitment to assisting Sri Lanka during this challenging time.
The prompt clearance of Pakistan's aid flight, despite ongoing tensions and airspace restrictions, highlights India's commitment to humanitarian principles and regional cooperation during crises. The Indian government has firmly rejected Pakistan's claims of delayed clearance, asserting that the request was handled expeditiously and with due consideration for the urgent humanitarian needs of Sri Lanka.
