DELHI- In a significant diplomatic journey, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi began his four-day international tour to France and the United States, departing from Delhi on Monday (February 10, 2025).
The Prime Minister’s aircraft traversed Pakistani airspace for 46 minutes, maintaining an altitude of 34,000 feet and passing over Lahore, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Chakwal, and Kohat. The routing through Pakistan became necessary due to the closure of Afghan airspace to air traffic.
Photo: By Prime Minister’s Office (GODL-India), GODL-India, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71957252PM Modi Plane Flew Over Pakistan Airspace
Landing in Paris during the evening hours, Modi commenced his three-day French agenda. The visit’s cornerstone events include co-chairing the AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, strengthening India’s diplomatic presence through the inauguration of a new consulate in Marseilles, and conducting strategic bilateral discussions with world leaders.
The diplomatic mission will transition to its second phase on Wednesday as Modi heads to the United States. The American leg of his tour features a crucial bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen Indo-US relations.
The Prime Minister’s flight path through Pakistani territory received notable attention from regional media, with ARY News documenting the aerial route’s specifics.
Photo: Narendra ModiNot the First Time
A detailed examination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s air travel history reveals multiple instances of traversing Pakistani airspace during official visits. His aircraft utilized Pakistani airspace during a return journey from Poland to Delhi in August, spending 46 minutes in the region.
The history of Indo-Pakistani airspace relations marks a significant period of restriction, as Pakistan implemented a complete airspace closure to India beginning February 26, 2019. During this period, Pakistani authorities denied Modi’s request for airspace access during a planned trip to Germany.
Modi’s upcoming United States visit carries particular diplomatic significance, positioning him among the initial world leaders to meet with President Trump following his electoral victory in November and subsequent January 20 inauguration.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized during a February 7 briefing that Trump’s invitation to Modi demonstrates the robust India-US partnership and its bipartisan support within American political circles.
The United States visit encompasses comprehensive diplomatic and economic engagements. Modi’s schedule includes bilateral discussions with President Trump in both restricted and delegation-level formats.
These talks will address bilateral matters while examining regional and international developments. Additionally, Modi will engage with American business leaders and connect with the Indian diaspora community.
Photo: EurospotCommercial Flight Entering PAK Airspace
In June 2023, IndiGo Airlines (6E) flight 6E2124, operating the Srinagar (SXR) to Jammu (IXJ) route, executed an unexpected diversion to Amritsar (ATQ) through Pakistani airspace.
The Airbus A321neo, bearing registration VT-IBN, departed Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar at 3:36 PM, running approximately one hour behind schedule. The plane’s historical records indicate its delivery to IndiGo Airlines on June 2, 2023, marking only two months in service.
After departure, the aircraft deviated from its standard flight path by making a circular pattern instead of proceeding directly toward Jammu.
The flight entered Pakistani airspace approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, rather than initiating its descent into Jammu. Prior to landing at Amritsar at 4:52 PM local time, the aircraft performed multiple holding patterns in the vicinity.
The circumstances prompting this diversion remain undetermined, with potential factors ranging from adverse weather conditions to in-flight emergencies.
Aviation analysts note the unusual nature of this diversion, as the flight opted for a more distant alternate airport instead of returning to its origin point in Srinagar.
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