WORLD> Asia-Pacific
US plane with Marines forced to land in India
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-10-18 18:07

NEW DELHI: Indian authorities on Sunday forced a US plane carrying Marines to land in Mumbai after a confusion about the call sign, a US Embassy official said.

The Bangkok-bound plane was diverted while in Indian airspace, said the official, who didn't want to be named because he wasn't authorized to speak with reporters.

Related readings:
US plane with Marines forced to land in India China rebuts report of violating India airspace
US plane with Marines forced to land in India India testfires 2 nuclear capable Prithvi 2 missiles
US plane with Marines forced to land in India US, India to hold joint war games in October
"We are aware of the situation, and are in touch with relevant officials to resolve this issue, which is a routine matter," the official said.

Pilots use a call sign to identify themselves and confirm that they are authorized to enter a country's airspace.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the plane was coming from the Middle East with 205 Marine commandos on board. The Marines stayed on the aircraft at the Mumbai airport waiting for clearance from Indian authorities, the report said.