The Indian defense minister on Wednesday told his US counterpart that India is concerned about the US decision to provide an aid package for Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jet
US-made aircraft are a key part of Pakistan’s military arsenal, which arch-rival India fears its neighbor could use against it.
Last week, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a deal worth up to $450 million, with Lockheed Martin Corp ( LMT.N ) as the original contractor.
I conveyed India’s concern at the recent US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 14, 2022
Look forward to continuing dialogue with Seceratry Austin to further consolidating India-US partnership. 3/3
“I conveyed India’s concern over the recent US decision to provide an aid package to Pakistan’s F-16 fleet,” Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter. Lloyd wrote after a “warm and productive” telephone conversation with Austin. .
The two also reviewed US-India defense cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties, Singh’s ministry said.
Pakistan, which is nuclear-armed like India, relies heavily on Chinese-made jets, but the F-16s are the most efficient and advanced in its fleet.
