After Pakistani media site The News reported on Tuesday, 26 March, that the Modi government denied Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad overflight from India to Pakistan, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs categorically denied these claims.
MEA sources told The Quint, “The truth is that Pakistan has blocked its own airspace from flights which are overflying India.”
Mohamad was visiting Pakistan on an official three-day visit that began on 21 March, reported ANI. He was to be a guest for Pakistan’s National Day.
“Therefore, even though DGCA had given overflight clearance to Malaysian PM flight, it had to take a longer route because Pakistan denied permission. It is strange that even for their national day guest from Malaysia, Pakistan could not make an exception thereby resulting in a longer flight by Malaysia PM.”MEA told The Quint
India Has No Restrictions on Airspace: MEA
Government sources also called the reports of Indian denial “false and motivated.”
“It may also be noted that all flights, including international flights, flying westward from/over Pakistan are not being allowed to fly over India by Pakistan even though India hasn’t put any restriction,” the MEA added.
Malaysian PM Refuses to Take Sides in India-Pak Dispute
According to a report in The Economic Times, Malaysian PM Mohamad refused to choose in the India-Pakistan conflict, saying Malaysia will maintain good relations with both countries. In a blow to the Imran Khan government, who had invited Mohamad to show solidarity with Pakistan after the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes.
“We cannot side with anyone. I think this, allowing terrorists to have this upper hand, is very dangerous. We must stop terrorists, both sides must prevent acts of terrorism. When terrorists fight, they just want to take revenge,”Malaysian PM Mohamad told The Economic Times
Addressing a press conference at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, Mohamad added, “They (terrorists) cannot conquer. What can they do? …kill people. Is that what humanity is fated for? We don’t want to take sides with anyone, but we appreciate the problems (the countries) they face,”.
Mohamad has been a supporter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, who recently supported India’s right to defend itself in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.
(With inputs from The Economic Times)
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