India trashes Pakistan’s claim of denial of overflight to send aid to Sri Lanka

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, India dismissed as “ridiculous” Pakistan’s claim that New Delhi had rejected its request to use Indian airspace to send humanitarian aid to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “We reject the ridiculous statement made by Pakistan’s Ministry of External Affairs, which is yet another attempt to spread anti-India misinformation.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:.

He said that the request for flight permission for a Pakistani plane carrying humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka was received by the Indian high commission in Islamabad around 1 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025.

“Given the urgency of humanitarian assistance, the Indian government processed the request expeditiously on the same day and issued flight permission as per the proposed itinerary at 5.30 pm on December 1,” Mr. Jaiswal added.

“India remains committed to assisting the people of Sri Lanka through all available means in these challenging times,” he said in response to media questions on the matter.

Mr Jaiswal’s remarks came hours after Pakistan claimed relief operations to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka were “hampered due to lack of cooperation” by India, which delayed permission to use its airspace.

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “India continues to block humanitarian aid from Pakistan to Sri Lanka. The private plane carrying Pakistan’s humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka continues to face delays of more than 60 hours while currently awaiting flight permission from India.”

Sri Lanka is reeling under floods, landslides and infrastructure collapse triggered by a cyclone.

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to help the island nation recover from devastation.

According to Sri Lankan officials, at least 410 people lost their lives and 336 people are missing in floods and landslides as of Tuesday morning, December 2.