India Dismisses Pakistan's Claims Over Humanitarian Aid Airspace Denial

India Responds to Pakistan's Allegations

New Delhi: On Tuesday, India labeled as 'absurd' Pakistan's assertion that its request to utilize Indian airspace for delivering humanitarian aid to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka was rejected.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated, "We dismiss the absurd claims made by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is yet another effort to disseminate anti-India propaganda."

The Indian high commission in Islamabad received the request for overflight clearance for a Pakistani aircraft carrying aid to Sri Lanka around 1 PM on Monday.

Jaiswal noted, "Considering the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, the Indian government promptly processed the request on the same day and granted overflight permission as per the proposed itinerary at 5:30 PM on December 1."

He emphasized India's commitment to supporting the people of Sri Lanka during these difficult times in response to media inquiries regarding the situation.

These comments from Jaiswal followed Pakistan's claims that its relief efforts for cyclone-stricken Sri Lanka were being obstructed by India's lack of cooperation, alleging delays in airspace permission.

The Pakistan Foreign Office claimed, "India continues to obstruct humanitarian aid from Pakistan to Sri Lanka. The special aircraft carrying aid has been delayed for over 60 hours, awaiting flight clearance from India."

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage caused by a cyclone.

In response, India has initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist the island nation in recovering from the disaster.

As of Tuesday morning, Sri Lankan authorities reported at least 410 fatalities and 336 individuals missing due to the devastating floods and landslides.