As Trump Set To Arm India With F-35 Stealth Fighters, Pakistan Expresses Deep Concern

As the US is set to arm India with F35 stealth fighters, Pakistan has expressed its deep concern over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to its neighbour.

Pakistan On US Selling Stealth Fighters To India

A spokesperson for Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), said, "Pakistan is deeply concerned over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India. Such steps accentuate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability."

He added, "They remain unhelpful in achieving the objective of a durable peace in South Asia. We urge our international partners to take a holistic and objective view of issues of peace and security in South Asia and refrain from endorsing positions that are one sided and deviate from ground reality."

On Thursday, United States President Donald Trump announced that the US will be increasing its military sales to India starting in 2025.

"We will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F35, Stealth fighters," ANI quoted Trump as stating in a joint press conference.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet, recently participated in Aero India, Asia's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The aircraft is known for its advanced stealth technology, superior situational awareness, and networked combat capabilities.

When asked whether New Delhi agreed to buy F-35s from Washington after Trump's announcement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "On military sales to India, there is a process by which platforms are acquired. There is, in most cases, a request for proposals that is floated. There are responses to those. They are evaluated. I don't think with regard to the acquisition of an advanced aviation platform by India, that process has started yet. So, this is currently something that's at the stage of a proposal. But I don't think the formal process in this regard has started yet."

Pak-Origin Businessman To Be Extradite To India

Trump also confirmed that the US will extradite the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, to India.

"I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India. He is going back to India to face justice," the US President added.