ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official aircraft, anIlyushin Il-96-300PU, traversed Pakistani airspace while en route to NewDelhi for a two-day official visit, marking a rare instance of Islamabadgranting overflight clearance to a high-profile flight bound for India.
The presidential jet, tracked under the call sign RSD221 and operating atan altitude of approximately 35,000 feet with a ground speed of around 540knots, passed over Mastung in Balochistan province before entering Indianairspace. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft followed a route acrosscentral Pakistan after departing Moscow, a path that required explicitpermission from Pakistani authorities.
Pakistan has maintained severe restrictions on Indian commercial andofficial flights using its airspace since the escalation of tensionsfollowing the May 2025 military confrontation dubbed Operation Sindoor byIndia. Most Indian carriers and government aircraft are compelled to takelonger southern routes via the Arabian Sea when travelling to the MiddleEast, Europe, or Central Asia. The decision to allow President Putin’saircraft to cross Pakistani territory therefore carries significantdiplomatic weight.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that Moscowhad formally thanked both Pakistan and Iran for facilitating theoverflight. Analysts view the gesture as a public demonstration of warmingties between Moscow and Islamabad, which have expanded considerably indefence cooperation, energy projects, and counter-terrorism dialogue inrecent years.
The development comes at a time when Russia is seeking to balance itshistoric strategic partnership with India while deepening relations withPakistan. President Putin is scheduled to hold the 23rd India-Russia AnnualSummit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where discussionsare expected to focus on defence deals, energy supplies, and trade amidWestern sanctions on Moscow.
Indian officials have not publicly commented on the use of Pakistaniairspace by the Russian presidential aircraft. However, aviation sources inNew Delhi confirmed that two Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighters escortedthe Il-96 after it entered Indian territory near the Rajasthan border.
The incident underscores the complex triangular dynamics between New Delhi,Moscow, and Islamabad at a time when Russia is increasingly positioningitself as a mediator in South Asian affairs while pursuing its ownstrategic interests across the region.
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Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/putin-plane-pakistan-airspace/article68945678.ece
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vladimir-putin-india-visit-plane-pakistan-airspace-9654321/
Tags:Russia, Pakistan, India, Putin, Balochistan, Il-96, Airspace, Diplomacy
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