Tue Dec 02 21:49:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

India Rejects Pakistan’s Claim of Blocking Aid to Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka

New Delhi, December 3, 2025 – India has vehemently denied Pakistan’s accusation that it deliberately delayed permission for a Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to cyclone-stricken Sri Lanka to use Indian airspace.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan’s statement as “ridiculous” and an attempt to spread anti-India misinformation. According to Jaiswal, the request for overflight clearance was received by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Monday, December 1, 2025, at approximately 1 p.m. IST. He stated that, recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian government processed the request expeditiously and granted permission the same day at 5:30 p.m. IST, adhering to the proposed itinerary.

“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 stated. He reiterated India’s commitment to assisting the people of Sri Lanka during this challenging time through all available means.

Pakistan had earlier alleged that its relief operations for Sri Lanka were being hampered by India’s delayed response to the overflight request, claiming that the aircraft had been awaiting clearance for over 60 hours.

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with the aftermath of a devastating cyclone, which has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. As of Tuesday morning, Sri Lankan authorities reported at least 410 fatalities and 336 missing individuals. India has launched “Operation Sagar Bandhu” to provide assistance to the island nation in its recovery efforts.

Read More