WASHINGTON: Biden administration has ignored “strong objections” raised by India over proposed foreign military sale of $ 450 million to Pakistan to sustain Pakistan Air Force’s F-16 programme and notified Congress in this regard. Last week, US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered required certification of this possible sale, angering India who raised matter during meetings with US official Donald Lu in New Delhi, according to a report by The Hindu.

Publication stated that Indian Ministry of External Affairs “protested” against sale of spares of jet to Pakistan despite DSCA’s clarification that “proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions” and it “will not alter basic military balance in region”.

While responding to a question in this regard, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said, “Well, we did recently notify Congress of a proposed foreign military sale valued at $ 450 million for maintenance and sustainment services for Pakistani Air Force’s F-16 programme.”

US official stressed that Pakistan is an important partner in a number of regards and an important counterterrorism partner. “And as part of our longstanding policy, we provide life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for US-origin platforms,” he said.

“Pakistan’s F-16 programme, it’s an important part of broader US-Pakistan bilateral relationship and this proposed sale will sustain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future counterterrorism threats by maintaining F-16 fleet.  This is a fleet that allows Pakistan to support counterterrorism operations and we expect Pakistan will take sustained action against all terrorist groups.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 15 2022

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