Congress Grills Center as US Grants $397M for Pakistan’s F-16s

In the wake of the US President Donald Trump’s decision to fund $397 million towards the maintenance of Pakistan’s F-16 military planes, Congress has raised questions on Modi’s diplomacy and how it is going to affect the country’s foreign relations in the future. 

No response has been given by the government or the ruling party BJP yet. 

Regarding this, the head of Congress’ media and publicity department Pawan Khera has said, President Trump’s decision to grant $397 million for the maintenance of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet raises important issues of what the Modi government’s diplomacy is achieving. 

In a post on X, he stated, “This step follows the pattern of support given to Pakistan in 2022 when a Biden administration fund of $450 million was issued for similarly defined objectives.” 

Khera proceeded to state that such moves do not only threaten but also endanger India’s security interests, particularly in view of the F-16’s use by Pakistan against India. 

As he noted, “During the UPA years (2004-?2014), India and the United States began to strengthen their comprehensive strategic and defense cooperation in many areas, including military modernization and technology, nuclear energy, and even counter-terrorism.” 

The strong diplomatic and strategic steps taken during the UPA years, Khera claimed, are what helped improve India-US relations, which in return boosted India’s defense and global standing.

In the past, the Congress has supported a constructive foreign policy, promoting non-alignment with strategic autonomy as he stated. 

“The recent defense negotiations have caused worry over strategy. The intentions to obtain F-35 fighter jets from the US were protested against because of the unprecedented costs and difficulties in operating the jets. Elon Musk for one, has always regarded the F-35 as crap and so do many others.” 

“In fact, Russia has also suggested building their latest Su-57 jets in India, which might be a better option,” the Congress leader added. 

Given the circumstances, all that needs to be done is interrogate the Modi government’s diplomatic approach, Khera said. 

He wondered, Is there a blanket approach that is to be taken regarding the ramifications of the military aid given to Pakistan by the US? 

Khera additionally inquired, How does the government plan to make sure India's security challenges does not get pushed to the background in sensitive defense procurements? 

Khera emphasized with great conviction the need for realigning our foreign policy directions in light of the Congress party's strategic vision to protect India's national interests.