United States: The US Department of State claimed on Monday that the $450 million in foreign military sales to Pakistan for the modernization of F-16 fighter jets were a part of the nation’s long-standing policy while downplaying the money that drew severe criticism from India. The department emphasised that the jets will enable Pakistan’s “continued action against all terrorist organisations” after the improvements are implemented.
In a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, India objected to the sale of spare parts to Pakistan, claiming the technology would be used against it.
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“The US government has informed Congress of a planned Foreign Military Sales case to support the F-16 programme of the Pakistan Air Force. In accordance with long-standing policy, the US offers life cycle maintenance and sustainment packages for platforms of US origin to Pakistan, an essential counterterrorism partner “As worries grew in New Delhi, a representative for the Department of State responded to a request for comment on Monday.
“The broader bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan includes an important role for Pakistan’s F-16 programme. By preserving its F-16 fleet, the planned sale will maintain Pakistan’s ability to tackle threats from terrorism both now and in the future “said the spokesperson.
After four years of poor relations under Imran Khan’s reign, experts see the US action as the beginning of better relations between the two nations.
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India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism in the area and utilising US funds to fund its proxy conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. After the attack in Pulwama, Pakistan openly used its F-16 planes against India in an aerial combat.
Although Pakistan asserts to have taken effective measures against terrorism, terrorists continue to conduct anti-Indian activities on its soil with impunity.
According to reports, Pakistan’s Air Force now has more than 70 F-16s in service; the most recent aircraft were delivered in 2014. The US Senate voted 71-24 against the contract, which the Obama administration wanted to use to sell eight more of them in 2016 under a subsidised arrangement.
According to some sources, Pakistan was paid for assisting the US in carrying out the deadly operation on Al-Qaeda leader Zawahiri.
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