US-Pakistan ties did not serve either nation: Jaishankar on F-16 fleet deal
India Today
In a blunt swipe at US-Pakistan ties, Dr S Jaishankar said that the 'relationship' has neither served Pakistan nor served American interests.
External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar is known for his straightforward and stern approach to highly controversial and much-speculated developments worldwide. In the latest, an audacious foreign minister referred to the proposal by the United States to Pakistan over fighter jets, F-16s, and threw light on the possible ulterior motive behind the deal.
Amounting to a blunt swipe at US-Pakistan ties, EAM Jaishankar said that the 'relationship' has neither served Pakistan nor served the interests of the US.
Voicing his doubts about the merits of US-Pakistan bilateral ties, the Indian foreign affairs minister said, "...Very honestly, it's a relationship that has neither ended up serving Pakistan well nor serving American interests. So, it's really for the US today to reflect on what the merits are of this relationship (US-Pakistan ties) and what they get by it."
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Dr Jaishankar's statements surfaced while the Indian minister interacted with Indian-Americans in New York.
He did not hesitate in stating his reservations and apprehensions over the military aircraft deal between the US and Pakistan. As per Joe Biden's administration's approval, the US is set to provide a USD 450-million sustenance package for one of the most advanced fighter jets to Pakistan.
It may be noted that the said package to Islamabad was called off by former US president Donald Trump as he did not want his administration to assist terrorist organisations and banned outfits to establish an epicentre or safe passage.
