India approaches world body after Pakistan refuses airspace access for Modi

New Delhi has approached the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) after Islamabad barred Indian premier Narendra Modi to use Pakistan’s airspace, Indian news website NDTV reported on Monday.

Officials, who spoke to the Indian media on the condition of anonymity, say that overflight clearances should be granted by other countries under the guidelines set by ICAO.

"Overflight clearances are sought, and granted by other countries as per prescribed ICAO guidelines and India will continue to seek such overflight clearances. Separately, we have taken up the matter of such denial with the relevant international civil aviation body," Indian officials said.

Also read: Islamabad rejects Modi's request to use Pakistani airspace

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had announced on Sunday that Pakistan had denied Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request to use Pakistan’s airspace.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Qureshi said that the decision has been taken to show solidarity on the black day being marked by Pakistan in light of the recent human rights violations being done by the Indian forces in occupied Kashmir.

Qureshi did not disclose Modi's destination but a senior Pakistani official had told AFP the Indian prime minister had sought permission to use Pakistan's airspace to travel to Saudi Arabia, where he is due to attend an investment summit.

Also read: Pakistan refuses India's request to open airspace for PM Modi

It is the third time in recent weeks that Islamabad has refused to allow Indian leaders to use its airspace.

Earlier, Islamabad turned down PM Modi’s request to use the country’s airspace to travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly meeting in September.

Pakistan had also rejected the Indian president’s request to use the Pakistani airspace to travel to Iceland.