NHK reported that concerning India’s rejection of Japan’s request for India to allow SDF planes to land there and collect aid supplies for delivery to countries near Ukraine that are hosting people who fled the Russian invasion, India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Bagchi said at a news conference on Thursday that his country had approved Japan’s request to pick up such supplies from India using commercial aircraft. Bagchi said India also received a request for permission for SDF aircraft carrying humanitarian cargo for Ukraine to fly over India. He added that Japan is “very welcome” to send commercial aircraft to pick up the supplies.

The broadcaster noted that India has purchased a large number of weapons from Russia over the years and that the two nations have deep political ties. It added that while India has not directly criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, it has repeatedly expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis there and sent medicine, tents, and other relief supplies to Ukraine and nearby nations.