India on Tuesday called out Pakistan over its "misleading" claims about delaying its aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. Terming it Islamabad's another "anti-India propaganda", the Ministry of External Affairs said India is committed towards assisting the Sri Lankan brethren.
"We reject the ridiculous statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, which is yet another attempt of spreading anti-India misinformation," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.
Our response to media queries regarding a statement by Pakistan on overflight clearance⬇️
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 2, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/RyOD1UDR1o pic.twitter.com/2JO7RhVqfi
The ministry said the required permissions for Pakistan's aid flight were granted immediately and there was no holdup. "The request for overflight clearance for Pakistani aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka was received by the High Commission of India in Islamabad at around 1300 hrs on December 01, 2025."
He added that, considering the urgency of the mission, the required permissions for the overflight were granted by 5.30pm on the same day. "India remains committed to assisting the people of Sri Lanka in these challenging times through all available means," he said.
"India remains committed to assisting the people of Sri Lanka in these challenging times through all available means," it said.
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Earlier, Pakistan alleged India blocked humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka. "The special aircraft carrying Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka continues to face a delay for over 60 hours now awaiting flight clearance from India," Pakistan's Foreign Office charged.
Pakistan alleged that India granted only partial clearance and it was operationally impractical. It also said permission was granted only after 48 hours.
