India Grants Swift Airspace Clearance To Pakistan Overflight Request For Sri Lanka Aid

New Delhi: India has swiftly given overflight clearance for Pakistan's humanitarian aid mission. This flight was leaving for flood and cyclone devastated Sri Lanka. Some Pakistani media reports claimed that India refused to use its airspace, but India clearly rejected these claims. According to sources, Pakistan sent the formal request at around 1 pm (IST) on December 1. In this, permission was sought to pass through Indian airspace on the same day. Seeing its seriousness, India processed the file immediately and after about 4 hours, i.e. at 5:30 pm, informed Pakistan about its approval.

Did India respond to the misinformation spread on social media regarding this?

It was being said in many online posts that India had refused to give way to the Pakistani relief plane going to Sri Lanka. But Indian officials clarified that the request being a relief mission was given priority and it was approved in the “shortest possible time”. It was also said that this happens in every case where there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Is the situation very bad in Sri Lanka after cyclone 'Ditwah'?

The cyclone has caused huge devastation in Sri Lanka. More than two hundred people have lost their lives and thousands are displaced. The government has declared a state of emergency in the country. Many areas are still submerged in water and relief operations are going on on a large scale.

Has India emerged as Sri Lanka's biggest ally in this crisis?

Colombo has sought help from its neighboring countries, and India was the first to send large-scale relief and rescue teams. Navy, Air Force, and NDRF teams are actively providing relief. This is being said to be part of India's 'first responder' role, which is linked to India's maritime policy 'Vision Ocean'.

Did Prime Minister Modi talk to the Sri Lankan president and assure further support?

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumardisanayake. He expressed grief over the loss of life and property and said that India is sending all possible help under Operation 'Sagar Bandhu.' Modi said that India stands with Sri Lanka in this hour of crisis.

Has Sri Lanka appreciated India's help?

President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for sending Indian relief teams, naval assistance and emergency supplies. He said that India providing help so quickly is being appreciated in the entire country. Indian officials said that more teams and necessary materials would be sent in the next few days.