ISLAMABAD – India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday used Pakistaniairspace for the first time since both the nuclear-armed rival engaged inan aerial warfare over the disputed Kashmir region earlier this year.
The Indian premier used Pakistans airspace as he headed on a state visit toFrance, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain from August 22 to August 26.
The objective of Modi’s visit is to strengthen ties with time-testedfriends and help explore new areas of cooperation.
Pakistan closed its airspace in February this year after Pakistan Air Forceshot down Indian aircraft, a day after India claimed to have carried out astrike at Balakot area in Pakistan.
Earlier in June, Modi avoided flying over Pakistan during a trip to CentralAsia, though permission in this regard was granted as a goodwill gesture.
India’s former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj had used Pakistan’s airspacewhen she traveled to Bishkek to attend the Shanghai CooperationOrganisation (SCO) in May this year.
Modi’s flight over Pakistan comes at a time when Pakistan and India aretrading barbs as New Delhi revoked the special status granted to Kashmir.