US approves $686 million to modernise Pakistan's F-16s, angering India
The United States has approved $686 million in military assistance to modernise Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets. India has expressed anger over the move.
The information was reported by the Hong Kong-based news outlet South China Morning Post.
According to the report, the approved US assistance package will be used to modernise the navigation, communication and defence systems of Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets. The package does not directly include any nuclear weapons or nuclear weapons-related equipment.
Analysts fear the modernisation will increase the capability of Pakistan's F-16 jets, making the country's existing military strength against India more effective. India's concern is heightened in particular by the F-16's role as an aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also raised concern over the matter. The report said he met US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN defence ministers' meeting in Cebu, Philippines, late last month, where he conveyed India's concern about US assistance to modernise Pakistan's F-16 programme.
India's main objection is that Washington is conducting a military operation against Iran while opposing its nuclear programme, yet at the same time helping nuclear-armed Pakistan build up its military capability.
In India's view, this US position raises fresh questions about the balance of regional security.
