Humanitarian Aid Becomes Political Flashpoint as India and Pakistan Trade Airspace Blocking Allegations over Sri Lanka Relief

The catastrophic devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka has momentarily shifted focus to regional aid efforts, but the situation is quickly becoming a diplomatic flashpoint between India and Pakistan.

While both nations have launched significant humanitarian operations India under Operation Sagar Bandhu (sending naval ships, air assets, and rescue teams) and Pakistan sending 47 member rescue teams and aid by sea the attempts at air relief have triggered a serious row.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office alleged this week that India has deliberately delayed or blocked clearance for its aircraft carrying relief goods to fly over Indian airspace, severely hindering the urgent mission.

India has categorically rejected these claims as "ridiculous" and "anti-India misinformation," countering that permission was granted expeditiously within four hours of receiving the official request. Officials noted that the gesture was made purely on humanitarian grounds, despite Pakistan maintaining a ban on Indian overflights.

The controversy highlights the extreme difficulty of cooperation even during a regional disaster, as accusations fly back and forth.

"The real tragedy is that bureaucracy and historical conflict are potentially slowing down the delivery of life-saving goods," stated an official with the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre. "While the world focuses on who is blocking whom, the survivors are waiting for aid."

Pakistan confirmed today that due to the alleged delays, a large consignment of aid has been dispatched by sea instead, extending the delivery timeline during a critical recovery period for the island nation