India denies visas to Pakistani air traffic controllers

NEW DELHI: India denied visas to a three-member Pakistani delegation of air traffic controllers who were scheduled to attend the International Air Traffic Controllers Asia-Pacific conference in New Delhi, India.

The conference is aimed at bringing together air traffic management professionals from across the region to discuss advancements, challenges and best practices in the field.

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The Pakistani air traffic controllers submitted their applications for India visas several week prior to the event, expecting participation in discussions that are important to improving air traffic safety and efficiency in the Asia-Pacific region.

India has been particularly acrimonious in recent years towards Pakistan, from attacking and violating Pakistan’s airbase, to refusing participating in Champions Trophy that is going to be held in Pakistan.

The visa process, as well, between the two archrivals has frequently been a contentious issue. Pakistani nationals often face significant hurdles when applying for visas to India.

India imposes stringent requirements and the processing time is also extremely lengthy.

The relationship historically between the two nations has also been fraught with tension, characterised by a series of conflicts and diplomatic standoffs following the partition of British Indian in 1947.

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The two nuclear-armed states have fought three full-scale and one limited war over Kashmir, with the region still considered disputed.