US rejects Indian concerns over new contract for F-16 aircraft with Pakistan

WASHINGTON (92 News) - The United States rejected Indian concerns over the new contract for F-16 aircraft with Pakistan.

After the meeting in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar held a joint press conference in which the US Secretary of State rejected the Indian Foreign Minister's objection to the supply of arms to Pakistan. 

Antony Blinken said that the F-16 program is not new but has been around for a long time. “Pakistan is not being supplied with new aircraft, new systems or new weapons. The $450 million package is for the repair of already supplied aircraft and the purchase of necessary parts. If America gives weapons, it also fulfills the responsibility of keeping it usable. 

“Pakistan is facing terrorism which poses a threat to other countries in the region as well. Increasing the defense capability will help Pakistan fight against terrorism. We support the process of resolving all the issues of your friends through diplomacy,” he concluded.