India raises concern over U.S. support for Pakistan’s F-16 jets, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised India’s concerns over the U.S. support package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
• The bilateral meeting occurred on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines.
• India expressed apprehension that advanced military technology transferred to Pakistan could proliferate to third countries, impacting regional security.
• Both leaders discussed the threat of cross-border terrorism, with the U.S. reaffirming its support for India in combating this menace.
• The meeting reviewed progress under the India-U.S. Major Defence Partnership, including the implementation of foundational security agreements.

Detailed Insights:

• India emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards countries that support, train, or finance terrorist organizations.
• The discussion highlighted India's appreciation for consistent U.S. support in its fight against cross-border terrorism.
• The two Ministers reviewed the ten-year India-U.S. Defence Framework, which guides bilateral defence relations.
• Avenues to enhance operational readiness, technology sharing, and defence industrial integration were explored under the partnership.
• Strengthening maritime security cooperation and military-to-military exchanges were also key discussion points.
• The leaders aimed to build resilient defence supply chains between India and the U.S.
• Separately, Defence Minister Singh met with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to discuss joint development in naval shipbuilding and design.

Key Concepts Involved:

• ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus): A platform for ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners (including India and the U.S.) to strengthen security and defence cooperation.
• India-U.S. Major Defence Partnership: A strategic designation by the U.S. in 2016 to facilitate greater access for India to advanced military equipment and technology.
• India-U.S. Defence Framework: A ten-year agreement (renewed periodically) that provides a roadmap for expanding military partnership and strategic cooperation.
• Foundational Security Agreements: A set of bilateral agreements between India and the U.S. (GSOMIA, LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA) that enable closer military cooperation, interoperability, and technology sharing.