India Rejects Pakistan’s Claim on Sri Lanka Aid-Flight Delay
India on Tuesday firmly dismissed Pakistan’s allegation that New Delhi delayed granting overflight permission to an aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed the accusation “ridiculous” and clarified that the clearance was given the same day the request was received.
India’s Clarification
According to the MEA, Pakistan submitted its request for overflight clearance around early afternoon on December 1. India approved the request within a few hours the very same day. Officials stressed that this timeline clearly contradicts Pakistan’s claim that the aircraft was forced to wait for more than two days before being allowed to fly over Indian airspace.
Pakistan’s Allegation
Pakistan had earlier alleged that the aid aircraft, meant to deliver relief materials to Sri Lanka, was held up because India delayed its permission. The MEA rejected this as misinformation, stating that India’s record of facilitating humanitarian assistance in the region speaks for itself.
Humanitarian Background
Sri Lanka has been battling severe flooding and landslides following recent cyclonic activity, prompting multiple countries to send emergency supplies. India reiterated that it remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka through all available channels, irrespective of political differences in the region.
Diplomatic Significance
The strong rebuttal from New Delhi underscores the sensitivity surrounding regional humanitarian efforts and the narratives built around them. By releasing precise timelines, India aims to highlight that its processes for granting overflight permissions remain efficient and humanitarian-focused.
