Jaishankar On the F-16 Fleet Deal: External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar is known for his straightforward and stern approach to highly controversial and much-speculated developments worldwide. In the latest, an audacious foreign minister referred to the proposal by the United States to Pakistan over fighter jets, F-16s, and threw light on the possible ulterior motive behind the deal.
Amounting to a blunt swipe at US-Pakistan ties, EAM Jaishankar said that the ‘relationship’ has neither served Pakistan nor served the interests of the US.
Voicing his doubts about the merits of US-Pakistan bilateral ties, the Indian foreign affairs minister said, “…Very honestly, it’s a relationship that has neither ended up serving Pakistan well nor serving American interests. So, it’s really for the US today to reflect on what the merits are of this relationship (US-Pakistan ties) and what they get by it.”
The Indian foreign affairs minister expressed his scepticism about the benefits of bilateral ties between the US and Pakistan
“In all honesty, neither Pakistan nor American interests have benefited from this relationship. Therefore, it is truly up to the US to consider the benefits of this relationship (US-Pakistan connections) and what they gain from it now.”
While the Indian minister was interacting with Indian-Americans in New York, Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks came to light.
He was unafraid to express his concerns and doubts regarding the US-Pakistani military aircraft deal. With the agreement of Joe Biden’s administration, the US is prepared to give Pakistan a USD 450 million maintenance package for one of the most cutting-edge fighter jets.
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It should be recalled that former US president Donald Trump cancelled the delivery of the aforementioned package to Islamabad because he did not want his administration to help terrorist groups and other prohibited organisations build a hub or safe passage.
Jaishankar made the implication that while each nation will make a choice in their best interests, one should not “fool” others by displaying a different choice. The F-16 fleet package was intended to help Pakistan’s ability to battle counterterrorism threats by sustaining its fleet of one of the most potent military aircraft under the sun, according to a statement the US made earlier.
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An disappointed EAM referred to the US F-16 sustenance package for Pakistan and said, “For someone to say I’m doing this as it’s for counter-terrorism, when you’re talking about an aircraft like the capability of the F-16, you’re not fooling anybody by saying that. We think countries make their choices based on their own interest.”
Relations between the US and Pakistan were “solid building blocks” and devoid of any regional or political tensions.
According to a recent article, Pakistan’s state minister for foreign affairs claimed that relations between the US and Pakistan were “solid building blocks” and devoid of any regional or political tensions.
The information is pertinent at this time since US President Joe Biden met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.
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