U.S. decision to 'allocate' funds for Pakistan's F-16 maintenance raises questions: Congress

Congress questions Modi government's diplomatic strategy amid US military aid to Pakistan, urging reassessment of foreign policy priorities.

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly allocating $397 million for Pakistan's F-16 fleet maintenance, the Congress on Tuesday (February 25, 2025) questioned the Modi government's diplomatic strategy and called for a reassessment of India's foreign policy priorities to safeguard national interests.

There was no immediate reaction from the government or the ruling BJP on the matter.

Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said the recent decision by President Trump to allocate $397 million for Pakistan's F-16 fleet maintenance raises critical questions about the Modi government's diplomatic efficacy.

This move, reminiscent of the 2022 Biden administration's $450 million package for the same purpose, highlights a pattern of U.S. military support to Pakistan, he said in a post on X.

Such actions potentially compromise India's security interests, especially given the historical use of F-16s by Pakistan against India, Mr. Khera said.

During the UPA years (2004-2014), India and the United States significantly deepened their strategic and defence cooperation across multiple domains, including military modernisation, technology transfer, nuclear energy and counter-terrorism, he pointed out.

The robust diplomatic and strategic initiatives taken during the UPA years deepened India-U.S. relations, strengthening India's defence capabilities and global influence, Mr. Khera asserted.