India quickly approved overflight clearance for Pakistan’s humanitarian aid flight heading to flood-stricken Sri Lanka. This decision counters reports in some Pakistani media that claimed New Delhi had denied access to its airspace, according to news agency ANI. Officials explained that they processed the request within hours because it was related to urgent relief efforts.
The clarification dismissed online claims that India had blocked airspace access. New Delhi emphasised that it acted quickly due to the urgency of the mission.
India Approves Pakistan’s Overflight Request for Sri Lanka Aid
Indian officials said that Pakistan made its formal request around 1:00 PM (IST) on December 1, seeking same-day permission to travel over Indian airspace. The clearance granted four hours later.
“The official request for overflight submitted by Pakistan to us at around 1300 (IST) hrs today seeking permission to fly over Indian airspace on the same day, i.e., December 1, 2025. Given that the request was for humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, the Government of India promptly cleared it and informed the Government of Pakistan at 1730 hrs (IST) today through official channels. It processed in just four hours,” the officials said.
India PM Offers Support under Op Sagar Bandhu
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He expressed condolences for the “loss of lives and widespread devastation” caused by the cyclone and promised additional support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He assured that India “stands in firm solidarity and support with the people of Sri Lanka in this hour of need.” President Dissanayake expressed “deep gratitude” for India’s deployment of rescue teams, naval help, and emergency supplies, noting that the response was well received across the country.
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