Rajnath Singh Protests Against US F-16 Package For Pakistan In Talks With American Counterpart

For the second time in a week, India raised objections against the US decision to provide a $450 Million support and sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter fleet. 

In a telephonic conversation to discuss growing convergence of India-US strategic interests on September 14, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged the issue of the Pakistani F-16s with his American counterpart Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. 

“I conveyed India’s concern at the recent US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet,” Rajnath Singh stated in a Tweet after the telecon. 

Last week, India registered its objection more forcefully to the visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, who was in New Delhi along with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner for the Quad Senior Officials Meeting and also for intersessional India-US 2+2 meetings. 

In particular, India is reported to have contested the stated objective of the US decision for an F-16 support package to shore up Pakistan’s “counter-terrorism” capability. India is reported to have conveyed strongly that the F-16 capability is used by Pakistan for operations against India. 

In a statement, India’s Ministry of Defence described the Singh-Austin telecon as “warm and fruitful”. 

“They reviewed the multi-faceted India-US defence cooperation and reiterated mutual commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties.

“Secretary Austin expressed support for India's defence modernisation programme and looked forward to further strengthening India-US defence industrial and technology collaboration.
 The Raksha Mantri and Secretary Austin also discussed regional issues and affirmed their shared desire for maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond. Shri Rajnath Singh conveyed India's concerns over the US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan's F-16 fleet.

“The two Ministers reiterated that both sides would continue their productive engagements with the objective of deepening India-US Strategic Partnership. The Raksha Mantri conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Secretary Austin in India for the next Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in 2023,” the Ministry of Defence stated. 

Vishal Thapar

BW Reporters Group Editorial Head for BW’s Defence, Security & Police