Perennial issue: India irked at US defence sales to Pakistan
Minister says Washington must take Indo-US ties into account
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 24th, 2015.
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 24th, 2015.