India Terms Pakistan’s Claims on Sri Lanka Aid Flight Clearance ‘Ridiculous’

India on Tuesday dismissed Pakistan’s allegation that New Delhi delayed overflight clearance for a humanitarian aid mission to Sri Lanka, calling the claim “ridiculous.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Pakistan submitted its request around 1 pm (IST) on December 1, 2025, seeking permission for an aircraft carrying relief supplies to use Indian airspace. The MEA said the request was processed the same day, and clearance was granted by 5:30 pm as per the proposed itinerary.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised Islamabad for spreading “anti-India misinformation,” saying, “We reject the ridiculous statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. The request … was received at around 1300 hrs on December 1, 2025. Given the urgency of humanitarian assistance, the Government of India processed the request expeditiously the same day and granted the overflight permission at 1730 hrs.”

India reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during the ongoing crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in severe flooding and landslides. At least 355 people have died and more than 300 remain missing in the wake of the disaster, which President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has described as the “largest and most challenging” in the island nation’s history.

The MEA also flagged what it called a growing pattern of misinformation originating from Pakistan. It noted that the latest allegation follows earlier false claims circulated by Pakistani media and social media handles, including misleading reports about India’s participation in an Oxford Union debate.

Pakistani outlets had suggested that India refused to grant airspace for humanitarian flights headed to flood-hit Sri Lanka, a claim India says is factually incorrect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with President Dissanayake on Monday and offered condolences over the tragic loss of life and extensive damage caused by the cyclone. India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to support relief and rescue operations in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah made landfall.