$130M US-India Defense Deal Draws Criticism from Pakistan
News Desk
Washington/Islamabad/New Delhi: The United States has approved a $130 million defense deal with India, a move that has drawn global attention amid escalating tensions in South Asia.
Announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Monday, the deal includes advanced maritime vision software and training aimed at enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. The US government emphasized that the agreement is intended to support regional security and stability and would not disturb the military balance in the region.
US officials stated that the sale is part of Washington’s broader strategy to bolster allies’ defense capacities and is expected to contribute to long-term peace in South Asia—a region marked by enduring political and territorial disputes between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan.
However, the announcement has raised serious concerns in Pakistan. Tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi have surged following the April 22 attack on local tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In the aftermath, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled several Pakistani diplomats—moves that have further strained bilateral ties.
In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephonic conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the call, Prime Minister Sharif expressed deep concern over India’s recent “provocative actions” and urged Washington to play a proactive role in de-escalating the situation.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, highlighting over 90,000 lives lost and economic damages exceeding $152 billion. He also warned against India’s attempts to shift focus from Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts by stoking regional tensions. The prime minister pointed to cross-border threats from groups such as the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan’s National Security Committee has adopted a firm diplomatic stance in light of recent developments. Measures include limiting the size of India’s diplomatic mission in Islamabad to 30 officials and reaffirming the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty. The committee cautioned that any disruption to water flows would be viewed as an act of war.
The growing hostility between the two nations has sparked international concern. The United Nations and other global institutions have called for immediate steps by both countries to ease tensions and prevent further escalation in the volatile region.
