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Wednesday March 19, 2025

Modi flies through Pak airspace for travel to France

Modi’s special aircraft, India One, entered Pakistani airspace near Lahore while flying from New Delhi to Paris

By Sher Ali Khalti
February 11, 2025
Indian PM Narendra Modi waves before boarding a plane in New Delhi for his trip to France and the United States on Feb. 10, 2025. —Indian Prime Minister’s Office
Indian PM Narendra Modi waves before boarding a plane in New Delhi for his trip to France and the United States on Feb. 10, 2025. —Indian Prime Minister’s Office

LAHORE: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again traveled through Pakistani airspace on his way to France on Monday afternoon, aviation sources confirmed.

Modi’s special aircraft, India One, entered Pakistani airspace near Lahore while flying from New Delhi to Paris. According to sources, the Indian premier did not convey any goodwill message to the Pakistani government or people.

During his flight, Modi’s aircraft traveled over Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal, and Kohat at an altitude of approximately 34,000 feet, covering Pakistani airspace for about 41 minutes.

The Boeing 777, operated by the Indian Air Force, exited Pakistani airspace via Parachinar and entered Afghanistan. Although Afghan airspace remains officially closed, special permission was granted for the Indian prime minister’s flight. Modi is set to chair the third edition of the AI Summit in Paris before traveling to the United States on February 12 for a meeting with President Donald Trump.

This is not the first time Modi has used Pakistani airspace. Previously, during his return from Poland to India, his aircraft remained in Pakistani airspace for 45 minutes.