Understanding India Pakistan Airspace Agreement

Recognizing that both the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) operate near each other’s airspace; aware that, despite best efforts by both sides, violations of each other’s airspace occur from time to time; desirous of promoting good neighbourly relations between the two countries; aware that renewed efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary alarm; have agreed to several articles which are listed below.

Let’s have a look at the Airspace Agreement between India and Pakistan:

The Airspace Agreement between India and Pakistan was signed in New Delhi on April 6, 1991, but it took effect on August 19, 1992, when the papers of ratification were exchanged.

There are nine articles in this agreement. This agreement’s line-by-line clauses have not been clarified. As a result, the purpose of this page is to give readers an outline of the agreement.

1st Article (Air Violations )

• Both India and Pakistan would take appropriate precautions to ensure that no side violates the other’s airspace.
• However, if any inadvertent violations occur; The event will be thoroughly investigated, and the results will be communicated to the other Air Force’s Headquarters (HQ) via diplomatic channels as soon as possible.

2nd Article

The following limits must be obeyed by military aircraft of both forces, subject to Articles 3, 4, and 6.

1. Combat aircraft (such as fighters, bombers, surveillance aircraft, jet military trainers, and armed helicopters) will not fly within 10 kilometres of each other’s airspace, including ADIZ. Except with previous authorization, no aircraft from either side will enter the airspace over the territorial waters of the other country.

1. Unarmed transport and logistical aircraft, including unarmed helicopters, and Air Observation Post (AOP) aircraft shall be allowed to fly up to 1000 metres apart in ADIZ airspace.

Aerial Survey/Supply Dropping, Mercy and Rescue Missions (Article 3)

• If a country wishes to conduct aerial surveys, drop supplies for mercy missions, or conduct aerial rescue missions within 1000 metres of the other’s airspace, it must do so within 1000 metres of the other’s airspace.
• The concerned country will provide the following information to the HQ of the other country in advance:

1. Aircraft/helicopter type.
2. Flight height within 1000 feet plus or less.

iii. When flights are envisaged, the number of days of operation must not exceed seven.

1. Proposed flight schedule, if applicable
2. The affected area (in latitude and longitude)

4th Article (Air Exercises Near Border)

• If a government wishes to conduct an air force exercise near another country’s airspace.
• To minimise any confusion between the two countries, the concerned government will provide advance notice to the Air Force Headquarters of the other country.

5th Article (Communication Between IAF And PAK)

The authorities appointed by the separate governments should contact each other by the quickest means of communication possible on matters of safety and any air activities in emergency situations. Such encounters must be reported to the Air Advisor. Flight safety and urgent air operations should be brought to the attention of the other side as soon as possible through the authorities designated by using the telephone line established between the two countries’ army headquarters.

6th Article (Operations From Air Fields Close to the Borders)

• Combat aircraft operating from the following airbases will maintain a 5 km separation from each other’s airspace:

1. Indian Side

(1) Jammu

(2) Pathankot

(3) Amritsar

(4) Suratgarh

1. Pakistan Side

(1) Pasrur

(2) Lahore

(3) Vehari

(4) Rahim Yar Khan

Article 7: (Flight of military Aircraft through each other’s Air Space)

Military aircraft may fly over each other’s airspace with the other country’s consent and under the circumstances set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement. Regardless of paragraph 1 of this Article, each country has the sovereign authority to establish additional requirements for military aircraft flying over its airspace on short notice.

Article – 8 (Validity of Agreement)

In terms of air space violations and military aircraft flights and landings, this Agreement replaces all earlier understandings.

9th Article (Agreement may be changed)

The ratification of this agreement is required. It will take effect on the day of this agreement’s entry into force.

Conclusion:

On April 6, 1991, India and Pakistan signed an airspace agreement in New Delhi. The main goal of this agreement was to prevent violations of airspace between the two countries. Both countries’ air force headquarters have received clear cut rules as a result of this agreement.

As a result, the above-mentioned nine paragraphs clearly define what operations both sides’ air forces can take. This agreement between India’s and Pakistan’s air forces aim to prevent a war-like scenario on the border from escalating as a result of any confusion.