**India Dismisses Pakistan’s Claims of Delayed Humanitarian Aid Flight**
India has firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations that it delayed overflight clearance for an aircraft transporting humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, labeling the claims as “ridiculous” and an attempt to disseminate misinformation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that this assertion is yet another effort to propagate anti-India narratives, while reiterating India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka amid its ongoing crisis.
The MEA clarified that the request for overflight clearance from Pakistan was received by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at approximately 1:00 PM on December 1, 2025. The Indian government processed the request on the same day and granted permission by 5:30 PM, in line with the proposed itinerary. This swift approval directly contradicts Pakistan’s claims of a delay.
MEA officials noted that the request was processed in just four hours, despite Pakistan’s ongoing ban on Indian airlines utilizing its airspace. This decision was characterized as a purely humanitarian gesture. Indian officials criticized the Pakistani media’s portrayal of the situation, describing it as propaganda and fake news. They asserted that all requests for overflight or transit are handled according to established procedures and international norms.
India reaffirmed its dedication to assisting Sri Lanka, which is currently grappling with severe flooding caused by a powerful cyclone that has reportedly claimed over 390 lives, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
In a related development, Pakistan’s relief efforts for Sri Lanka faced scrutiny after the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo shared images of relief consignments on social media. Observers quickly pointed out that some packages were labeled “EXP: 10/2024,” raising concerns about the potential shipment of expired items during a critical humanitarian crisis. The controversy intensified shortly after the photographs were posted, leading to widespread backlash and accusations against Pakistan for sending expired products to a nation in dire need.
Indian officials reiterated that all humanitarian and transit requests are processed in accordance with established procedures and international standards, underscoring India’s commitment to international cooperation and norms. As Sri Lanka continues to confront the challenges posed by extensive flooding, the international community is closely monitoring the responses of neighboring countries and the standards upheld in the provision of humanitarian aid.
**FAQ**
**Q: What was the nature of the humanitarian aid flight from Pakistan to Sri Lanka?**
A: The flight was intended to deliver humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, which is currently facing severe flooding. However, Pakistan’s claims of a delay in overflight clearance by India have been dismissed as unfounded.
