iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The controversy around the US government selling a sustenance package to Pakistan for its F-16 fighter aircraft fleet intensified on Wednesday with the defense minister, Rajnath Singh, registering a formal protest with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin on Wednesday, September 14.
The controversy was triggered earlier this month when, the US State Department approved a $450 million deal on the potential sale of F-16 aircraft sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan. This move has concerned the Indian government.
Singh discussed this issue among other topics over a telephone call with his US counterpart. Singh later tweeted from his official Twitter handle: “I conveyed India’s concern at the recent US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. Look forward to continuing dialogue with Secretary Austin to further consolidate India-US partnership.”
His string of three tweets on this subject had begun with: “Had a warm and productive telephonic conversation with the US Secretary of Defence, Mr. Lloyd Austin. We discussed the growing convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defense & security cooperation. We also discussed ways to strengthen technological and industrial collaboration and also explore cooperation in emerging and critical technologies.”
The ministry of defense issued a statement in this regard which said that Singh had a “warm and fruitful telephonic conversation” with Lloyd. “They reviewed the multi-faceted India-US defense cooperation and reiterated mutual commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties,” the statement added.
“Secretary Austin expressed support for India’s defense modernization program and looked forward to further strengthening India-US defense, industrial, and technology collaboration.” Singh and Austin also discussed regional issues and affirmed their shared desire for maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The duo reiterated that both sides would continue their productive engagements with the objective of deepening the India-US Strategic Partnership. Singh added that he looked forward to welcoming Austin to India for the next Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in 2023.
