India Processes Biman Bangladesh Overflight for Dhaka-Karachi Flights Under 1978 Agreement

The Indian government has taken note of a proposal by Biman Bangladesh Airlines to launch direct commercial flights on the Dhaka–Karachi sector, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed Parliament on Thursday. The disclosure came in response to questions raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding reports of a possible resumption of direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply that the Government of India was aware of the proposal. Lawmakers sought clarification on whether any request or communication had been received from Bangladesh, Pakistan, or concerned airlines seeking permission to use Indian airspace for such flights, and whether security and diplomatic considerations were part of the government’s assessment.

Singh said that an overflight request linked to the proposal had been processed by the competent Indian authorities in accordance with established procedures. He added that the decision-making took into account relevant factors under the bilateral Air Services Agreement signed between India and Bangladesh in 1978, which governs civil aviation arrangements between the two countries.

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The MEA was also questioned on whether national security concerns, diplomatic sensitivities, and past bilateral arrangements with Pakistan were factored into the deliberations. Singh indicated that all applicable provisions and considerations were examined as part of the standard review process, without providing further operational details.

In separate responses, the government acknowledged reports of a strategic mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Singh said India continuously monitors developments that may have implications for its security and remains engaged with regional partners to ensure national interests are safeguarded.

Addressing questions related to Pakistan’s claims that China mediated during India’s Operation Sindoor, Singh reiterated that the cessation of hostilities in May 2025 followed direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. He said the government has repeatedly clarified that the understanding to stop military action was arrived at bilaterally, following India’s airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.

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