India Grants Rapid Airspace Clearance for Pakistan's Sri Lanka Aid Flight Amid Cyclone Ditwah Crisis

Sri Lanka has been devastated by severe flooding resulting from Cyclone Ditwah's impact across the island nation.

New Delhi:

India has swiftly approved Pakistan's request for an aid flight carrying relief materials to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka, strongly denying "baseless and misleading" allegations in Pakistani media that claimed India had refused airspace access.

According to official sources, Pakistan submitted its overflight request at approximately 1300 hrs (IST) on Monday, seeking same-day authorization to traverse Indian airspace. Recognizing the humanitarian nature of the mission to assist Sri Lanka, Indian authorities expedited the approval process.

The permission was formally granted and communicated to Pakistani authorities through official channels by 1730 hrs (IST) Monday, with clearance being processed within just four hours of the initial request, officials confirmed.

Officials highlighted that this rapid clearance was provided purely on humanitarian grounds, despite Pakistan continuing to maintain restrictions on Indian commercial airlines using Pakistani airspace.

India's clarification comes in response to certain Pakistani media outlets that had incorrectly reported that India "refused to grant airspace" for humanitarian flights.

Government sources firmly characterized these claims as "baseless and misleading."

Sri Lanka continues to grapple with catastrophic flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The death toll has risen to at least 334 people across the country as authorities struggle to manage rising floodwaters in sections of Colombo, the capital city.

As part of its emergency response under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has delivered 53 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka to assist with Cyclone Ditwah recovery efforts.

According to official statements, India has provided 9.5 tons of emergency provisions from two Indian Navy vessels stationed in Colombo. Additionally, three Indian Air Force aircraft have airlifted 31.5 tons of relief materials including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food, medicines, and surgical equipment.

India has also deployed two BHISHM cubes with a five-person medical team to provide on-site training, along with 80 specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to support rescue operations.

Furthermore, New Delhi has sent an additional 12 tons of relief supplies aboard the Indian Navy Ship Sukanya at Trincomalee, bringing the total aid package to 53 tons.