A news is coming out from the world of international diplomacy and defense which has once again created heat between the strategic relations between India and America. Washington has approved a maintenance and upgrade package worth millions of dollars for the American-origin F-16 fighter planes included in Pakistan's fleet. As soon as this decision came to light, there was deep resentment in the political and defense circles in New Delhi. The Indian government and strategic experts have openly termed this as the dual attitude of America, which on one hand calls India its strategic partner in the fight against terrorism, and on the other hand works to disturb the regional balance by providing military assistance to Pakistan. This entire deal has raised fresh serious questions on the security system and geopolitical equations of South Asia. America's controversial decision and the importance of Pakistan's F-16 jets. Under this step of America, the equipment, technical software, radar system and other modern equipment of F-16 aircraft present with Pakistan Air Force is to be upgraded. The US administration argues that this package is not for the supply of any new weapons but for the maintenance of old aircraft so that they remain effective in counter-terrorism operations. But defense experts believe that this type of modernization indirectly gives a major strength to Pakistan's air power, which it can use on any other front in the name of security of its borders. In the last few years, when the relations between the two countries were moving in different directions on the issue of terrorism, the approval of such a huge defense package is an indication that the global superpowers take decisions as per their diplomatic and strategic priorities, even if it has a negative impact on regional stability. India's strong objection, sharp questions raised on 'double standards' The Indian Foreign Ministry and defense experts have expressed strong objection to this decision and made it clear that countries claiming to eliminate terrorism should understand in which direction such military assistance can be misused. India has always maintained that any military assistance to Pakistan ultimately increases the security challenges against India. A review is being done at the highest level in New Delhi as to how to strongly raise this issue with the US administration. Diplomatic experts believe that India and America have come very close in the last few years in terms of defense agreements and technical partnerships, but such decisions work to weaken the bond of mutual trust between the two countries. The looming threat to the security of South Asia and the future strategic equations are expected to intensify the arms race in the subcontinent due to this defense support to Pakistan. Whenever the military capabilities of a neighboring country are modernized, India is forced to further strengthen its defensive preparedness. The Indian Air Force is already emphasizing on modernization and indigenization of its fleet (such as development of Tejas and advanced fighter aircraft) to give a befitting reply to any external challenge. It will be very interesting to see what effect this incident has on the diplomatic relations between India and America in the coming times and how India brings forward this concern in diplomatic talks. It is clear that the security equations in the geopolitics of South Asia are constantly changing and every country is taking tough decisions to fulfill its interests.
