Pakistan has voiced concerns regarding the potential US deal to provide India with the F-35 stealth fighter jets, warning that such a move would disrupt regional military balance, undermine strategic stability, and hinder the ongoing efforts for lasting peace in South Asia. The reaction follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States plans to increase military sales to India by several billions of dollars starting this year, paving the way for a future offer of the advanced F-35 fighter jets.

Pakistan's Concerns on F-35 Deal

During a weekly press briefing on Friday, a spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed deep concern over the transfer of advanced military technologies to India, specifically the F-35 fighter jets. Pakistan warned that such advancements would significantly alter the military dynamics in the region, leading to an imbalance that could destabilise the delicate security situation in South Asia. The spokesperson stressed that these steps were unhelpful in achieving peace in the region and urged international partners to adopt a more balanced approach to security and peace efforts in South Asia, calling for an end to one-sided policies that deviate from the ground realities.

Pakistan's concerns come at a time when the US is expanding its military relations with India, underscoring the importance of strengthening alliances and ensuring both countries work closely to address common threats, such as radical Islamic terror. Pakistan fears that these developments will have negative consequences on strategic stability in the region, exacerbating tensions that have already been high due to the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan.

Trump’s Announcement on F-35 Deal

During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, President Trump stressed that the US would be significantly increasing military sales to India, including the potential transfer of F-35 fighter jets, which are one of the most advanced stealth aircraft in the world. Trump stated that this shift would commence this year, marking a significant military alliance between the two nations.

Trump went further to announce that the US and India would collaborate like never before to confront the threat of radical Islamic terror across the globe. This commitment comes amid rising concerns over growing global security challenges and the desire to strengthen ties between the US and India in addressing common security issues.

India’s Foreign Secretary Responds to F-35 Deal

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the growing speculation surrounding the F-35 deal by explaining that military acquisitions follow a set process. He clarified that any request for proposals (RFP) related to the F-35 has not yet been initiated, indicating that the formal process of acquiring such an advanced aviation platform is still in its early stages. Misri emphasised that the F-35 deal remains in the proposal stage, and no official steps had been taken by India to acquire the aircraft as of now.

Misri's comments were a response to the announcement made by Trump, which had sparked immediate concerns in Pakistan and across the region. While the details of the F-35 transfer remain uncertain, Pakistan’s concerns highlight the broader implications of such a move on the regional security balance.

Trump’s Push for Extradition of Mumbai Attack Accused

In his meeting with Modi, President Trump also made a major announcement regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Trump confirmed that his administration had approved the extradition of Rana to India, calling him one of the “very evil people” in the world. This move further solidifies the growing security cooperation between India and the US, as both countries intensify efforts to combat terrorism on a global scale.

Impact on South Asian Stability

Pakistan’s reaction to the potential F-35 deal underscores the fragile stability in South Asia, where military imbalances between India and Pakistan are a constant source of tension. Any significant shift in military dynamics, especially involving advanced technologies like the F-35, has the potential to escalate tensions further, impacting both regional peace and the broader security landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

Pakistan’s concerns over the F-35 deal are part of a larger pattern of growing unease over India's military enhancements and its strategic partnerships with major global powers like the US. With India's growing military strength and its increasingly close ties with the US, questions about the future of peace and stability in South Asia remain unresolved. Pakistan continues to urge the international community to adopt a holistic approach to South Asian security, one that takes into account the interests of all regional players, rather than endorsing policies that favour one side over another.

Conclusion

As the F-35 deal progresses, Pakistan’s concerns about the regional military imbalance and the broader implications for South Asian peace will continue to be a critical issue. The US-India military relationship is deepening, but the potential transfer of advanced military technologies like the F-35 raises important questions about its impact on strategic stability in the region. The coming months will likely see further diplomatic discussions and negotiations between India, Pakistan, and international powers as they navigate these complex issues.

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