India sounds alarm over US support package for Pakistan's F-16 fighter fleet, warns of third-party risks

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting and reviewed the progress of a 10-year India-US defence framework pact, cautioned the US about the supply of sustainment packages for F-16 fighter jet fleet to Pakistan.

According to sources cited by Economic Times, Singh raised concerns that transfer of sensitive technology to Pakistan comes with risks, including the possibility of details of the know-how of the weapons leaking to third parties.

In December, the US had cleared a $686 million package for upgrading and supporting F-16 fighter jet fleet of Pakistan, covering Link-16 communication systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics modernisation, training and extensive logistical assistance.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), in its notification, outlined the strategic objectives behind the proposed sale, saying that it will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with the US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.

Singh and Hegseth also explored fresh pathways to accelerate operational readiness, technology sharing and defence industrial integration between the US and India while reflecting on the ongoing collaboration.

Singh stressed that the global community must maintain an "uncompromising, zero-tolerance approach" towards nations that support, train, or fund terrorist organisations, according to an Indian readout.

Hegseth reaffirmed the United States' unwavering solidarity and full support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism and Singh expressed India's "deep appreciation" for the consistent and strong support extended by the US.