India rebuts Pakistan’s propaganda on airspace clearance for aid flight to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

India has firmly dismissed claims circulating in Pakistani media that New Delhi denied overflight permission to a Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to cyclone-ravaged Sri Lanka. Calling the allegations “baseless, misleading, and part of routine propaganda”, Indian officials clarified that the request from Islamabad was processed swiftly and in accordance with international norms.

Rapid clearance given within hours

According to officials, Pakistan submitted its overflight request around 1:00 pm (IST) on Monday, seeking same-day clearance to traverse Indian airspace en route to Colombo. Recognising the humanitarian nature of the mission — intended to transport emergency relief supplies to Sri Lanka — India handled the request with special urgency.

The clearance was processed, approved, and formally communicated to Pakistani authorities by 5:30 pm (IST) the very same day, completing the procedure in just about four hours — much faster than standard inter-governmental clearances.

Officials emphasised that New Delhi granted permission despite Pakistan continuing to block its own airspace for Indian flights for several years.

Cyclone Ditwah devastates Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is presently grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which unleashed widespread floods, landslides, and infrastructural destruction across multiple regions.

• Over 300 people have lost their lives
• Thousands have been displaced
• Roads, bridges, and communication lines remain severely disrupted

Emergency operations are intensifying as new areas continue to report distress signals.

India’s Operation Sagar Bandhu: Major humanitarian support underway

In response to the unfolding crisis, India has activated Operation Sagar Bandhu, a large-scale humanitarian relief mission aimed at supporting its closest maritime neighbour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and assured Colombo of India’s unwavering support.
Under the operation:

• 53 tonnes of relief materials have been delivered to Sri Lanka via air and sea operations since November 28
• Items include food supplies, medical kits, tents, water purification systems, blankets, and essential rescue gear
• Over 2,000 stranded Indian nationals have already been evacuated from disaster-hit zones
• NDRF teams are actively participating in ongoing rescue operations across isolated and severely affected regions

In its latest update, the Ministry of External Affairs stated:

A pattern of misinformation

This incident adds to a series of claims by Pakistani media targeting India on diplomatic or humanitarian matters. Indian officials maintain that such narratives are aimed at misleading the public and distorting bilateral interactions, especially when coordination involves sensitive humanitarian operations.

Despite these challenges, India’s swift clearance demonstrates its commitment to humanitarian principles, regional cooperation, and its longstanding policy of supporting Sri Lanka in times of crisis.