New Delhi, Sept. 29 -- India is in talks with China to explore Xinjiang airspace as an alternate route for Indian airlines amid Pakistan airspace ban, sources said on Tuesday.

"The Indian government is in talks with China over airspace. The Indian government is exploring an air route over Hotan in Xinjiang, China, to mitigate the Pakistan airspace ban. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is engaging with counterparts. The discussions have been ongoing for over a year," sources said.

The move comes after Pakistan extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft until October 24, according to Dawn, citing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The previous extension of the restrictions was scheduled to exp...