India allows Pakistan to use its airspace for relief flights to flood-hit Sri Lanka

India has approved quick overflights for the Pakistani humanitarian aid flight bound for flood-hit Sri Lanka. This counters claims by sections of the Pakistani media that New Delhi had denied access to its airspace, the news agency said YEARS. Officials said the request was processed within hours as it involved urgent relief operations.

The clarification dismissed online claims that India had denied access to its airspace, prompting New Delhi to argue that it had in fact acted expeditiously due to the urgent nature of the mission.

According to Indian officials, Pakistan submitted its formal request on December 1 around 1:00 PM (IST) seeking permission to fly over Indian airspace the same day. Permission was granted four hours later.

“The official overflight request was submitted to us by Pakistan at around 1:00 PM (IST) today seeking permission to fly over Indian airspace on the same day i.e. December 1, 2025. Considering that the request was for humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, the Government of India expeditiously approved the request and informed the Government of Pakistan through official channels at 5:30 PM (IST) today. It was processed with the shortest notice of four hours,” it said. officials. said.

Sri Lanka continues to face severe devastation in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone has claimed more than 200 lives in Sri Lanka, leaving many displaced. The country has declared a national emergency.

The scale of the disaster has forced the government in Colombo to seek extensive support from regional partners, with India leading relief efforts amid a major deployment of naval, air and disaster response assets.

PM MODI PROVIDES SUPPORT UNDER ON SAGAR BANDHU

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to express his condolences over the “loss of lives and widespread devastation” caused by the cyclone and pledged further support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

He said India “stands in steadfast solidarity and support to the people of Sri Lanka at this time of need.” President Dissanayake expressed his “deep gratitude” for India’s deployment of rescue teams, naval assistance and emergency supplies, noting that the response was appreciated across the country.

Guided by his vision Mahasagar, India said it would remain “the first responder” in the region and would continue to provide all necessary assistance like Sri Lanka in the coming days.

– Ends