In a gesture prioritising humanity over politics, India has allowed a Pakistani aid aircraft to fly over its airspace to deliver emergency relief to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. This comes after some media outlets in Pakistan falsely claimed that New Delhi had blocked the flight. Indian authorities swiftly dismissed these reports as misleading.
Officials said that Pakistan formally requested the overflight on 1 December around 1:00 PM (IST). Recognising the urgency of delivering aid to Sri Lanka, which has been devastated by Cyclone Ditwah, India processed the request and issued clearance by 5:30 PM the same day — just four hours later. “The request was approved on priority given its purely humanitarian nature,” a government statement confirmed.
The aid flight is carrying essential relief materials, including food, medical supplies, tents, and hygiene kits, to assist communities in Sri Lanka reeling from the cyclone’s impact. Hundreds have been killed, thousands displaced, and vast areas flooded, leaving the island nation grappling with a humanitarian crisis.
This prompt action stands out, especially since Pakistan continues to restrict Indian aircraft from using its airspace. Indian authorities emphasised that when lives are at stake, humanitarian needs take precedence over political friction.
India’s decision aligns with ongoing relief efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu, through which Indian naval and air forces are already delivering aid to the affected regions in Sri Lanka. Officials stress that regional cooperation is crucial during natural disasters, and that timely action can save countless lives.
The swift clearance sends a clear message: even amid political tensions, compassion and solidarity remain paramount. It also counters narratives that seek to politicise humanitarian gestures. For many affected Sri Lankans, the immediate concern is receiving help on time, and India has ensured that aid reaches them without unnecessary delays.
As the relief flight heads to Sri Lanka, the episode highlights the power of practical empathy, sometimes, simple acts of humanity matter more than headlines or politics.
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