Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 27: Congress leader Ajoy Kumar on Thursday expressed strong criticism towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for remaining silent on the Trump administration’s approval of a $397 million aid package to support Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet. Kumar questioned the government's inaction, pointing out that such silence could lead to severe consequences for India, particularly in the defense and agricultural sectors.
Kumar's statement comes amid growing concerns in India regarding the potential misuse of the F-16s by Pakistan, especially after the aircraft was reportedly deployed against India during the aftermath of the Balakot strikes. Despite the US government's assurance of strict oversight on the use of these jets, critics worry that Pakistan may once again use the planes in violation of the US end-use agreement.
A former Member of Parliament, Ajoy Kumar raised alarms about the potential threat these F-16s pose, emphasizing that previous Indian military leaders had warned about the possibility of Pakistan using them against India. He accused the Modi government of being a “mute spectator” and not addressing the issue with the seriousness it warrants. “The US is supporting Pakistan, yet our government has no courage to express its concerns,” Kumar remarked.
Kumar further accused the Modi-led government of being “afraid” of taking a firm stance against the US, claiming that it had “meekly surrendered” in the face of pressure from Washington. He also raised concerns over India’s agricultural sector, questioning whether the country was becoming a “dumping ground” for foreign agricultural products. Kumar warned that without imposing tariffs on these imports, India’s farmers and agriculture sector would face irreparable harm.
In an attempt to address India’s defense concerns, the US has extended an offer to provide India access to its F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. This offer marks a potential shift in US-India defense relations, though it comes with significant caveats. The US had previously blocked India’s attempts to acquire the F-35 due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system, which led to sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Commenting on this offer, Kumar dismissed the value of the F-35, quoting SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s reservations about the fighter jet's costs. “The F-35 is not in India’s best interest... It is an expensive investment,” Kumar said, urging the government to carefully evaluate the strategic benefits before proceeding with the acquisition.