US-Pak $450 million F-16 deal riles India

NEW DEHLI: $450 million worth of United States sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet has irked India as Indian defense minister registered his protest with the US for finalizing the deal.

Last week, the US State Department approved the potential sale of sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a deal valued at up to $450 million, with the principal contractor being Lockheed Martin Corp.

Ned Price, spokesman for the United States Department of State, said on Tuesday in his press briefing that as part of its longstanding policy, Washington provides “life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms”.

His remark responds to some of the concerns expressed in India that the F-16s would increase Pakistan’s air power, which is counter to the goals of New Delhi. However, the US official was clear that the new program should not be viewed in the context of India-Pakistan and exclusively intends to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to combat terrorism.

The response, however, did nothing to assuage New Delhi’s concerns over the decision, and the Indian defense minister told his American counterpart as much on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

We also discussed ways to strengthen technological and industrial collaboration and also explore cooperation in emerging and critical technologies. 2/3

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 14, 2022

“I conveyed India’s concern at the recent U.S. decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet,” Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter following what he called a “warm and productive” telephone conversation with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

I conveyed India’s concern at the recent US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.

Look forward to continuing dialogue with Seceratry Austin to further consolidating India-US partnership. 3/3

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 14, 2022

In another tweet Mr Singh said, “Had a warm and productive telephonic conversation with the US Secretary of Defense, Mr Lloyd Austin. We discussed the growing convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defense & security cooperation.”

Had a warm and productive telephonic conversation with the US Secretary of Defence, Mr. Lloyd Austin. We discussed growing convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defence & security cooperation. @SecDef 1/3

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 14, 2022

Last week, Indian officials raised the same concerns while talking to US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu.