Pakistan

Perennial issue: India irked at US defence sales to Pakistan

Minister says Washington must take Indo-US ties into account

News Desk July 24, 2015

Minister says Washington must take Indo-US ties into account. PHOTO: bellhelicopter.com

New Delhi has conveyed its concerns to the US over sale of missiles and attack helicopters to Pakistan, saying it must take into account Indo-US ties and the impact on India’s security before firming up such supplies.

In a written reply to a question in the Indian parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that the government keeps a constant watch on all developments that have a bearing on India’s national interest and takes necessary steps to safeguard it.

“Most recently, we have noted that the US State Department made a determination approving possible Foreign Military Sales to Pakistan of AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters and AGM-114R Hellfire II Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of USD 952 million.

“Government has sensitised the US of our concerns on US military sales to Pakistan. Government has consistently conveyed to the US that it must take into account India-US relations and the impact on India’s security in deciding its military assistance to Pakistan,” Swaraj said in her letter.

In April, the US approved sale of USD 952 million worth of attack helicopters, missiles and other defence equipment to Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2015.

COMMENTS (2)

Marium | 9 years ago | Reply “India irked at US defence sales to Pakistan” Why this is so? India is the biggest arm importer in addition to the quo of major powers. The historic rivalry between India and Pakistan is known to all of us. India is a country who has really poses serious threats many times to the strategic equilibrium of the region which has been established with the introduction of nuclear weapons. India is known for its hostile aggressive expansionist policy towards other regional states. It tests new arsenals and missiles on frequent basis which made security dilemma for rest of the states. This very military expedition triggers arms race. Pakistan is very much specific about its defense posture in an uncompromising manner. Whatever it is doing, it’s for the sake of its own national security against the odds.

Rabia | 9 years ago | Reply previously there comes many reports that they have concerns with china and India not obsessed with Pakistan?! HAHAHA. I was hoping that India had matured, but sadly they are still quite obsessed.

Replying to X