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India Rebukes Pakistan’s “Misinformation” Over Sri Lanka Aid Clearance
India strongly refuted Pakistan’s allegations on Tuesday that it had denied overflight clearance for Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, calling the claims “ridiculous” and a deliberate attempt to spread anti-India propaganda.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India had, in fact, processed Pakistan’s overflight request promptly on the same day it was received. According to the MEA statement, the request was submitted to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at approximately 1300 hours on December 1, 2025, and clearance was granted by 1730 hours the same day.
“We reject the ridiculous statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan which is yet another attempt of spreading anti-India misinformation,” Jaiswal said in the official response.
The diplomatic exchange comes against the backdrop of worsening humanitarian conditions in Sri Lanka, which has been devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. The death toll has reached 410, according to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC), with approximately 1.4 million people from over 407,000 families affected by the severe weather conditions that triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island nation.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office had claimed that India had blocked humanitarian assistance from Pakistan to Sri Lanka, alleging that a Pakistani aircraft carrying relief supplies had been delayed for more than 60 hours. The claim was reported by Pakistan’s leading daily newspaper, Dawn.
The accusation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two South Asian neighbors, whose diplomatic relations have remained strained for years over various issues, particularly regarding Kashmir. Regional experts note that humanitarian crises sometimes become politicized in the complex geopolitical landscape of South Asia, where India and Pakistan frequently accuse each other of misinformation campaigns.
India has been at the forefront of international relief efforts for Sri Lanka since the disaster struck. On November 28, the Indian government launched “Operation Sagar Bandhu” to provide urgent search and rescue support and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka. The operation demonstrates India’s policy of “Neighborhood First,” which prioritizes assistance to neighboring countries during crises.
“India stands firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, ensuring rapid, sustained, and coordinated assistance across affected districts under Operation Sagar Bandhu,” the MEA reiterated in its statement, emphasizing India’s commitment to helping Sri Lanka through “all available means” during this challenging time.
The cyclone has caused widespread destruction across Sri Lanka, with many regions still underwater and infrastructure severely damaged. The disaster comes at a particularly difficult time for Sri Lanka, which has been working to recover from a severe economic crisis that began in 2022.
Regional disaster management experts highlight that swift international aid is critical in the aftermath of such catastrophes, making unimpeded channels for humanitarian assistance all the more important. This latest diplomatic incident underscores how political tensions can potentially complicate humanitarian responses in the region.
As recovery efforts continue in Sri Lanka, both India and Pakistan have pledged support for the island nation, though the diplomatic spat threatens to overshadow these humanitarian commitments.
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9 Comments
This incident highlights the complex regional dynamics in South Asia. While it’s understandable for countries to be protective of their airspace, denying overflight for humanitarian aid would be highly problematic. I hope the relevant authorities can work through this issue swiftly and transparently.
Absolutely. Providing efficient disaster relief should be the top priority, not political posturing. I’m glad to see India refute the allegations and approve the overflight request in a timely manner.
This seems like another case of diplomatic tensions and misinformation between India and Pakistan. It’s important to get the facts straight, especially when it comes to aid and humanitarian relief efforts during disasters like this cyclone in Sri Lanka. I hope both sides can work together to provide the necessary support to the affected people.
Agreed. Allegations of airspace denial and spreading misinformation are not helpful when the priority should be on delivering urgent assistance. Transparency and cooperation between the countries in the region would go a long way.
The Indian government’s prompt processing of Pakistan’s overflight request is a positive step, though the allegations from Pakistan are concerning. In these sensitive situations, maintaining open communication channels and avoiding escalating tensions is crucial for an effective humanitarian response.
You’re right. Geopolitical disputes should not impede critical aid delivery. I hope India and Pakistan can put aside their differences and focus on supporting Sri Lanka during this crisis.
It’s disappointing to see Pakistan make these kinds of allegations, especially when effective disaster response should be the focus. India’s prompt approval of the overflight request is a positive step, and I hope the two countries can put aside their differences to support Sri Lanka during this crisis.
The diplomatic spat over this humanitarian aid flight is concerning. While I understand the sensitivities around national airspace, denying access for relief efforts would be incredibly problematic. I hope India and Pakistan can put their differences aside and work together to assist Sri Lanka in this difficult time.
Agreed. Politicizing disaster response is never appropriate. Both countries should prioritize the well-being of the affected Sri Lankans over their own disputes. Transparency and cooperation are key to an effective humanitarian operation.