India has conveyed strong concerns to the United States over military assistance to Pakistan, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighting the potential risks associated with transferring sensitive American defence technologies to Islamabad. The issue was raised during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28.
According to media reports citing officials familiar with the discussions, Singh expressed India’s opposition to continued advanced support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet. New Delhi is concerned that military technology provided to Pakistan could potentially be transferred to a third country, creating wider regional security implications.
The discussions come amid renewed attention on a US-approved military support and upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, reportedly valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. Such support can involve aircraft-related equipment, technical systems, spare parts, training and maintenance assistance. India’s concerns centre on how these capabilities could affect the regional military balance and the security of sensitive defence technology.
Rajnath also highlighted India’s longstanding position that countries should not apply inconsistent standards when addressing terrorism. He stressed the need for a firm international approach towards states that support, train, finance or provide safe havens to terrorist organisations. The issue remains a significant part of India’s diplomatic engagement with international partners, particularly in discussions concerning cross-border terrorism.
The US side reiterated its support for India’s efforts to combat cross-border terrorism, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence’s account of the meeting. Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering terrorism in all its forms, while recognising the importance of continued cooperation on regional and international security challenges.
Despite differences over military assistance to Pakistan, India and the United States also reviewed the progress of their broader defence partnership. The discussions covered the 10-year India-US Defence Framework, with both sides exploring opportunities to strengthen military-to-military engagement, improve maritime security cooperation and build more resilient defence supply chains.
Defence industrial collaboration and advanced technology cooperation were also important areas of discussion. Both countries have sought to deepen strategic coordination through military exchanges, information sharing and opportunities for greater cooperation in defence production. The latest talks reflected their intention to expand these areas while addressing emerging security concerns.
The ministers also discussed the evolving strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific, a region of growing importance to both countries. Maritime security, regional stability and closer coordination among defence partners remain central to their shared interest in maintaining a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
Following the meeting, Rajnath described the discussions as excellent and highlighted progress under the 10-year defence framework. His public remarks emphasised strategic convergence in military technology, information sharing and co-production, underscoring the continuing importance of the bilateral relationship.
India’s message on Pakistan-related military assistance highlights the challenge of balancing strategic partnerships with concerns about regional security and technology protection. While New Delhi and Washington continue to expand defence cooperation, the issue of US support for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet remains a point of concern for India.
The outcome of these discussions will be watched closely as both countries pursue deeper strategic ties and respond to changing security dynamics across South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
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