Following harsh criticism from India, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday defended US weapons sales to Pakistan, stating that they are crucial in combating the threat of terrorism.
At a press conference he co-hosted with his Indian colleague, Antony Blinken stated: “There are obvious terrorism risks that continue to originate from Pakistan itself as well as from surrounding nations.”
In response to a query from an Indian journalist, Blinken said that the top US diplomat had defended a $450 million F-16 deal for Pakistan that had been approved earlier in September, claiming that the deal was for the upkeep of Pakistan’s current fleet.
“We have a duty and commitment to ensure that military equipment is maintained and supported for anyone we provide it to.
That’s what we have to do. Pakistan’s program improves its capabilities to combat terrorist threats coming from Pakistan or the surrounding area.
Nobody wants those threats to be able to proceed without consequence, therefore this capability that Pakistan possessed can help all of us combat terrorism, Blinken said.
Earlier, visiting Indian Minister Jaishankar questioned the “merits” of the US-Pakistan relationship and claimed that Washington’s links with Islamabad did not advance American interests while speaking at an event hosted by the Indian American community in Washington, D.C.
This is, as I said, about preserving an existing program, not adding a new one, and we have a responsibility to do that anywhere we’re engaged in the procurement of defense equipment like F-16s, Secretary Blinken said in his news conference with his Indian counterpart.
Additionally, the US secretary of state urged Pakistan and India to talk out their disagreements.
More generally, we usually advise our friends to settle their disputes through diplomacy and communication.
Mahnur is MS(development Studies)Student at NUST University, completed BS Hons in Eng Literature. Content Writer, Policy analyst, Climate Change specialist, Teacher, HR Recruiter.
