India Raises Concerns Over US Support for Pakistan's F-16s, Citing Risk of Sensitive Technology Leaks

India has raised concerns with the United States over military assistance to Pakistan, particularly support for its F-16 fighter aircraft fleet, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warning about the possibility of sensitive defence technologies reaching third countries. Singh discussed the issue with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines. The meeting also focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and reviewing regional and global security developments.

During the talks, Singh conveyed New Delhi’s reservations about Washington’s decision to approve additional support and upgrades for Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft. Indian officials are concerned that advanced military systems and technologies supplied to Islamabad could potentially be accessed by other countries, including those with established defence ties with Pakistan.

The concerns come amid the US-approved $649 million support package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. The package reportedly includes avionics upgrades, cryptographic equipment, Identification Friend or Foe systems, mission-planning tools, spare parts, simulators, training and logistical support from Lockheed Martin.

The two ministers also discussed counterterrorism, with Singh calling for a consistent international approach and cautioning against applying different standards when addressing terrorism. He stressed that countries supporting, training, sheltering or financing terrorist organisations should face a firm and unified response from the international community. Hegseth reiterated Washington’s support for India in its efforts to counter cross-border terrorism. Singh welcomed the US position and highlighted the importance of sustained international cooperation against terrorist activities.

Beyond these concerns, the meeting reviewed progress under the 10-year India-US Defence Framework. Both sides expressed their commitment to expanding military engagement, improving maritime security cooperation, strengthening defence supply chains and advancing collaboration in defence manufacturing and emerging technologies. The ministers also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific security environment, a region of growing strategic importance to both countries amid intensifying geopolitical competition and maritime challenges.

Following the meeting, Singh described his discussions with Hegseth as excellent and highlighted the progress made under the bilateral defence framework. He also reaffirmed the importance of the India-US partnership in supporting a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. The talks underscored the expanding defence relationship between New Delhi and Washington while highlighting India's concerns about US military assistance to Pakistan and the potential risks associated with transferring sensitive defence technologies.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.