India is providing a 40 per cent hike in foreign flying rights to Saudi Arabia, going to become the biggest and only beneficiary of New Delhi’s strictly managed flying rights which will be the effect from April 1.
According to Economic Times news reports, India’s move, which follows Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to New Delhi last month, will mark Saudi as the only nation within 5,000 km flying distance from India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had increased the quota for Saudi Arabia.
Request for an increment in flying rights by others such as Malaysia, China, Qatar, Dubai and Singapore have been rejected by the Indian government.
During MBS visit to India, Saudi had announced its plan to invest in India’s infrastructure sector worth $100 million. Saudi also backed New Delhi against Pakistan at the recent OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) meet.
The kingdom also believed that it had played a vital role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India and ensuring the return of IAF pilot wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
According to rules, flights between two countries are governed by air services agreements — also called bilateral flying rights.
The Modi government has been cautious in allowing additional flying rights as this has been a cause for controversy in the past and is being probed by various agencies.