The Indian Government, on the 28th of October, sought help from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) after Pakistan refused to open its airspace for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr. Modi is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for bilateral meetings on the 28th of October, due to which the Indian Government asked the Pakistan Government Modi’s flight be allowed to cross the airspace of Pakistan. However, on the 27th of October, Mahmood Qureshi, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, refused to let PM Narendra Modi’s private flight use Pakistan’s airspace.
The news was aired on the State run radio channel in India which gives news about Pakistan.
After the denial, the Indian Government said, “We regret the decision of the Government of Pakistan to yet again deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight, which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country.” The Government further said, “Overflight clearances are sought, and granted by other countries as per prescribed ICAO guidelines and India will continue to seek such overflight clearances. Separately, we have taken up the matter of such denial with the relevant international civil aviation body.”
The matter was now reported to the ICAO. The Indian Government said it would seek the intervention of ICAO whenever the Pakistan Government refuses to let Indian VVIP flights use Pakistan’s airspace.
Mr. Modi is scheduled to attend the International Business Forum event and bilateral meetings with Saudi Arabia’s leaders.
Stay tuned for further updates.
