The plane entered through Chitral and navigated the air control zones of Islamabad and Lahore.
Indian Prime Minister Modi Uses Pakistani Airspace Amid Diplomatic Freeze
LAHORE :
Despite enduring diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi utilized Pakistani airspace during his return journey from Poland to New Delhi, as revealed on Saturday. According to sources from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCCA), Modi’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace at 10:15 am and exited at 11:01 am, spending a total of 46 minutes within Pakistan’s boundaries.
The aircraft made its entry into Pakistani airspace through Chitral, traversing the air control regions of Islamabad and Lahore before eventually crossing into India’s Amritsar. This event occurs against the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries, highlighting a rare instance of cross-border interaction amidst ongoing diplomatic discord.
Modi’s recent trip to Poland was part of a broader diplomatic mission that included a significant stop in Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The trip underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the intricate web of relations that extend beyond bilateral interactions.
The utilization of Pakistani airspace by an Indian leader is a notable development in the context of the long-standing diplomatic freeze between the two nations. The diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and India has been fraught with challenges, particularly following the closure of Pakistani airspace in March 2019. This closure was imposed after a military standoff between the two countries, which was triggered by an attack on a security convoy in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), resulting in the deaths of 44 paramilitary police officers.
The airspace closure had significant implications for international flights, disrupting travel routes and adding to the already tense atmosphere between the two nations. Pakistan’s decision to reopen its airspace for civilian flights after a five-month closure marked a tentative step towards normalization, though relations remained strained.
Further exacerbating the situation, diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India intensified in August 2019 when the Modi-led Indian government revoked the semi-autonomous status of IIOJK. This move prompted Pakistan to downgrade diplomatic ties with India and suspend trade relations, further souring the bilateral relationship.
The incident involving Modi’s use of Pakistani airspace serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of diplomatic relations and the ongoing complexities that define the interactions between Pakistan and India. While the utilization of airspace may appear to be a logistical matter, it carries significant diplomatic weight, reflecting the nuances of international relations amidst ongoing disputes.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, such instances of interaction between nations with strained relations underscore the importance of diplomatic channels and the need for continued engagement to address conflicts and build mutual understanding. The use of Pakistani airspace by Modi’s aircraft highlights the delicate balance that must be maintained in international diplomacy, even amidst periods of tension and disagreement.