India on Monday swiftly approved Pakistan’s request to use Indian airspace to deliver humanitarian assistance to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials dismissed Pakistani media claims that New Delhi had denied the permission as “fake”.

What was Pakistan’s request?

Officials said Pakistan submitted an official request at around 1300 hours (Indian time) on Monday seeking overflight clearance to transport relief to Sri Lanka. The request specifically related to humanitarian assistance following severe flooding in the island nation.

How fast did India respond?

India cleared the request within four hours and informed Pakistan through official channels at 1730 hours (Indian time). Officials noted that the clearance was granted at the “shortest notice period” given the humanitarian nature of the flight.

What are the allegations?

Reports in sections of the Pakistani media claimed India denied Pakistan the overflight facility. Indian officials rejected these allegations, calling them “fake news”, “baseless” and “misleading”.

“One of the people” cited in the communication said Pakistani media was “indulging in propaganda and peddling fake news”.

What is India’s position on airspace permissions?

Officials reiterated that India follows standard operational, technical and security assessments for all airspace-related decisions. They stressed that permissions are not influenced by political considerations.

The gesture was described as purely humanitarian, even as Pakistan continues to ban its airspace for Indian airlines.

Officials further called Pakistani media reports “inaccurate and irresponsible”.

What is the situation in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is battling massive floods triggered by a powerful cyclone. More than 390 people have died in the disaster, prompting urgent relief and rescue operations across the country.