Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 2: India on Tuesday firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegation that New Delhi had denied overflight clearance to a Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka, calling the accusation “ridiculous” and a deliberate attempt to spread anti-India misinformation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that Pakistan’s request was received by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad around 1 p.m. on December 1 and was approved the same day by 5:30 p.m. as per the proposed itinerary. He stressed that India processed the request “expeditiously” given the urgency of relief efforts.

India’s response came after Pakistan’s Foreign Office claimed that New Delhi had blocked humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, causing a delay of more than 60 hours.

The MEA reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to supporting Sri Lankans as the island nation grapples with severe floods, landslides and destruction brought on by Cyclone Ditwah, which has claimed over 400 lives and affected 1.4 million people.

India has been extending continuous support under Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched on November 28 to deliver search-and-rescue aid and humanitarian assistance across the worst-hit regions.