*DEHLI: Demonstrating a sheer mulish behavior, Indian Prime MinisterNarendra Modi refused the overflight of his aircraft from Pakistaniairspace, despite receiving the permission from Islamabad. *
*The Hindu* reported that India had forwarded the request to Pakistaniofficials to let Modi’s overflight to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan during June13-14 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Islamabad had approved in principle the Indian government’s request in thisregard. Nevertheless, Modi opted to fly via Oman-Iran route instead ofPakistani airspace.
In May, Pakistan granted the request of India to let its Minister forExternal Affairs Sushma Swaraj overflight to attend the SCO summit inBishkek.
Pakistan Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that the Indiangovernment had made the request to avoid longer route.
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Sushma Swaraj had attended the SCO meeting of foreign ministers inKrgyzstan on May 21 and 22, along with Pakistani counterpart Shah MehmoodQureshi.
The Pakistani airspace is closed for all commercial flights on its easternborder.
Pakistan took the decision to shut its airspace on February 27, sendingIndia a strong message and forcing carriers to reroute flights, after anaerial dogfight between Pakistan and Indian air forces.
