'You're Not Fooling Anybody...': MEA Jaishankar On US' F-16 Package For Pakistan

Jaishankar also raised questions over the 'merits' of the US-Pakistan relationship and said that Washington's ties with Islamabad have not served the 'American interest'.

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the United States' ties with Pakistan have not served the "American interest". Slamming the Joe Biden administration's decision to provide $450 million worth of spares and services for Pakistan's F-16s, Jaishankar said no one was fooled by claims that these "highly capable" fighter aircraft were meant only for counter-terrorism operations.

"For someone to say I'm doing this as it's for counter-terrorism when you're talking of an aircraft like capability of F-16...you're not fooling anybody by saying these. We think countries make their choices based on their own interest," news agency ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying at an event organised by the Indian-American community in Washington.

Jaishankar also raised questions over the "merits" of the US-Pakistan relationship and said that Washington's ties with Islamabad have not served the "American interest".

Talking about the US-Pakistan relationship Jaishankar said, "Very honestly, it's a relationship that has neither ended up serving Pakistan well nor serving American interests. So, it's for US to reflect what are the merits of this relationship."

Earlier this month, the Biden administration informed the US Congress that it proposed to provide $450 million worth of spares and services for Pakistan's US-made F-16 for their "sustainment". The US said no new capabilities or munitions were part of the package, which, it was stated, would also not alter the military balance in the region.

The US administration claimed in the notification that these F-16s were meant for counter-terrorism operations.

"If I were to speak to an American policy-maker, I would really make the case (that) look what you are doing. Forget about us. It's actually not good for you what you're doing, reflect on the history, look at the last 20 years," Jaishankar further said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had lodged an official protest with the US, conveying India's concern in a phone call with his counterpart Lloyd Austen last week.

Jaishankar on Saturday concluded the high-level United Nations General Assembly debate in New York and is scheduled to spend the next three days in Washington.

(With ANI Inputs)