India, Kuwait reach deal on aviation row

India and Kuwait have reached an agreement to resolve the dispute on air traffic rights over which the Gulf state had threatened to stop Indian national carriers flying there from today.

Just before the expiry of the deadline, an MoU was signed last night by the civil aviation authorities of the two countries in Kuwait city after marathon negotiations lasting three days, Indian ambassador to Kuwait M Ganapthi said.

Ganapthi told PTI after the MoU was signed that the flight services between the two countries will continue freely and unhindered.

He said talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and the final result shows the depth of the relations between the two countries. "From the passenger and public view point, the MoU has been a big success," he added.

The points in agreement include an additional 4,000 seats taking the total to 12,000 seats in each direction, but the fifth freedom destinations will apply to the earlier 8,000 seats. India has agreed to allow Kuwait carriers to operate flights to Hyderabad, Kolkata (both with immediate effect) and Bangalore (from the winter 2008 schedule).