Modi Uses Pakistani Airspace Again Without Sending Message of Goodwill

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft once again traversed Pakistani airspace while returning from his recent visit to the United States. Aviation sources revealed that Modi’s plane entered Pakistan from Afghanistan over Chitral at approximately 5:30 AM and exited near Lahore after spending about 46 minutes within the country’s airspace.

The Indian leader’s plane, named ‘India One,’ followed a similar path just three days earlier when it flew over Pakistani territory en route to the U.S. During the U.S. trip, Modi attended the Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by President Joe Biden and met with various world leaders.

Despite frequent use of Pakistani airspace, Prime Minister Modi has not issued any message of goodwill or diplomatic courtesy towards Pakistan, which contrasts with international diplomatic norms. Aviation routes often necessitate flights through foreign airspace, but it is customary for leaders to send goodwill gestures, especially between neighboring countries with a history of tense relations.

Modi’s use of Pakistani airspace without acknowledgment has raised eyebrows among observers and has been seen by some as a missed opportunity to ease tensions. Previous instances of similar airspace use have also gone without any official acknowledgment from Modi’s office, continuing to reflect a strained diplomatic stance.