John Brittas questions India over IranAir medicine flight ban

John Brittas, a CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP, has asked the Centre for clarification on reports that India denied IranAir permission to transport essential medicines to Iran, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to state the government’s position.

The letter dated October 23 raises concerns that humanitarian consignments could be affected by external pressure and geopolitical considerations, and questions whether India’s foreign policy remains independent if such restrictions are accurate.

Citing an IranWire report from October 19, Brittas notes that IranAir’s managing director Taher Abdolhay said permission for cargo flights on the Mumbai route had not been granted, and that the airline had proposed using passenger flights to move medicines.

Brittas argues that essential medicines for civilian use should not be a casualty of geopolitical tensions, and calls for a humanitarian response that addresses ordinary people’s needs while acknowledging the impact of US sanctions on Iran-related trade and finance.

He emphasizes that aviation permissions must not become a blanket impediment to humanitarian consignments and asks the government to review IranAir’s requests and consider direct or alternative civilian arrangements in line with laws and safety requirements.

Brittas also requests Jaishankar to intervene urgently and issue a clear statement outlining the government’s position on the reported denial of flight permissions.