New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not fly over the Pakistani airspace while travelling to Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Wednesday to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the External Affairs Ministry said.
It said the prime minister will fly over Oman, Iran and several Central Asian countries countries to reach Bishkek.
India requested Pakistan to let Modi’s aircraft fly over its airspace when he travels to Bishkek. Pakistan accorded an “in principle” approval to India’s request.
“The government of India had explored two options for the route to be taken by the VVIP aircraft to Bishkek. A decision has now been taken that the VVIP aircraft will fly via Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries on the way to Bishkek,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
He was responding to media queries regarding the route to be taken by prime minister’s aircraft while travelling to Bishkek.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is also attending the meeting of the regional grouping.
Modi leaves for Bishkek on Wednesday on a two-day visit.
Also read: Pakistan airspace ban for Indian aircraft extended to 14 June
What would have been wonderful was for Air India One to break the Roza, to be followed by all other civilian flights. People who travel extensively have been greatly inconvenienced by this closure of Pakistani airspace. This decision conveys that the relationship remains as frigid as Siachen in winter.