Story: Pakistan-US deal on F16 modernization; 26-09-2022;
The US is proving out to be quite helpful towards Pakistan, a former close ally of the US in the Asian region. The two countries are not so close in terms of bilateral relationship, in recent times.
Pakistan also achieved IMF bailout, and various reports suggest Pakistan might get out of Gray List, with the current US and Chinese support.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar gave harsh reactions to the deal between the US and Pakistan, saying, “You’re not fooling anybody.”
The United States has given approval for F-16 fighter jet sustainment program to Pakistan in the name of “Counterterrorism,” support. The deal, worth $450 Million.
S. Jaishankar also said Washington-Islamabad relationship has not served the US interests.
India-Pakistan are neighbour countries and both share a bitter relationship with each other. Pakistan was created after 1947 partition of India by the British rule.
A top American defence official has said that the $450 million programme for maintenance of the Pakistan's F-16 fleet is not "a message to India ,
The US and India share a hot-cold relationship due to the fact that India maintains a friendly relationship with Russia and buys military hardware heavily from Russia.
Recent talks between India-Russia for Russian defence missile system S400 has also impacted Indian relationship with the US.
Pakistan acqired the F-16 figter jets from the US a decade ago, and the multirole aircraft serves as the leading face of Pakistan Air Force.
Pakistan currently requires some key parts of the F-16, to maintain its F-16 fleet.
The previous Trump administration had blocked the same $450 million programme for maintenance of the F-16s, due to sorrow relationship with Pakistan back then.
But now as current Biden administration approved the programme, and Pakistan getting a bailout from IMF, these developments points towards a positive signs for Pakistan-US relationship.
Pakistan ex-prime minister claims that the US played a key role in toppling of his government last year.
The current Pakistani government led by Mr. shahbaz sharif is also famously called a puppet or “selected govt” in Pakistan.