The Indian Government has recently brought an issue to light with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) concerning the denial of use of Pakistan’s airspace. This denial interrupted the flight path required for the Indian Prime Minister’s aircraft while travelling to Saudi Arabia on 28th October, 2019. The basis given by Pakistan for this denial pointed towards supposed human rights violations happening in Jammu and Kashmir.
About the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
Established in 1944, ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). It serves to implement standardized regulations and procedures for global air navigation, which ensures peaceful international air travel. These standards were founded by the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed on December 7th, 1944, in Chicago. This convention not only provided core principles for international air transportation, but also resulted in the creation of the ICAO itself.
ICAO’s Objectives and Membership
One of ICAO’s primary objectives is to promote the planning and development of international air transportation. By doing so, it ensures the safe and systematic expansion of international civil aviation across the globe. Moreover, ICAO consists of 193 members, including India. Its headquarters are located in Montreal, Canada.
Table: Facts about ICAO
| Year of Establishment | 1944 |
|---|---|
| Parent Organisation | United Nations (UN) |
| Number of Member States | 193 |
| Headquarters Location | Montreal, Canada |
Recent Controversy Involving India and Pakistan
Most recently, the ICAO has been implicated in a controversy involving India and Pakistan. The Indian Government approached ICAO after Pakistan refused to grant overflight clearance to the aircraft of India’s Prime Minister. The Prime Minister’s intended flight path to Saudi Arabia on October 28, 2019, would have required crossing Pakistani airspace. However, Pakistan denied this request, citing claims of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
