F-16 Deal

EAM S Jaishankar has slammed US' proposal to provide services for Pakistan's F-16s, saying no one is fooled by claims that these highly capable aircraft are meant only for counter-terrorism operations

America's relationship with Pakistan has "not served" either of the two countries, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Sunday raising questions on the Biden administration's approval of a USD 450-million sustenance package for F-16 fleet. "Very honestly, it's a relationship that has neither ended up serving Pakistan well, nor serving the American interests. So, it is really for the United States today to reflect on what are the merits of this relationship and what do they get by it, Jaishankar said in response to a question during an interaction with the Indian-Americans. Referring to the argument made by the US that F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism, he said everybody knows where and against whom F-16 are used. "You're not fooling anybody by saying these things," he said in response to a question. Early this month, the Biden administration approved a USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme to Pakistan, reversing the decision of the previous

Trump is using his on-going 11-day Asia visit to hard-sell US weaponry to friendly Indo-Pacific nations

India has turned down Washington's proposal to mention possible 'Make in India' of F-16 fighters