New Delhi: India on Tuesday rejected Pakistan’s assertion that New Delhi delayed overflight clearance for Islamabad’s humanitarian aid mission to Sri Lanka, calling the claim “ridiculous” and labeling it misinformation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Pakistan submitted the overflight request at around 1 pm IST on December 1, 2025, for a humanitarian assistance flight to Sri Lanka. “Given the urgency of humanitarian assistance, the Government of India processed the request expeditiously and granted overflight permission the same day at 5:30 pm, as per the proposed itinerary,” he said.
Jaiswal criticised Pakistan for spreading “anti-India misinformation,” pointing out a recurring pattern of inaccurate claims by Pakistani media and diplomatic channels. He cited recent false reports about India’s participation in an Oxford Union debate as another example.
India reaffirmed its commitment to assisting the people of Sri Lanka through all available means following Cyclone Ditwah, which has killed at least 355 people and left over 300 missing. The cyclone, striking on Friday, triggered unprecedented floods and landslides across the island nation, marking the most severe natural disaster in Sri Lanka in a decade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday, conveying condolences for the loss of lives and widespread devastation. India also launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a relief and rescue initiative to support Sri Lanka in the wake of the cyclone.
