India Raises Concerns Over US F-16 Upgrade Package for Pakistan in Rajnath Singh-Hegseth Meeting

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed concern over US support for the upgrade and modernisation of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft, raising the issue during a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines.

During the meeting, Singh reportedly argued that Pakistan’s close military cooperation with China could create concerns over the potential transfer of advanced American technology to a third party.

The Indian defence minister also emphasised the need for a global policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, calling for a firm approach against countries accused of supporting terrorist organisations.

Singh reportedly expressed concern that the provision of advanced technical assistance, communication systems and software support for Pakistan’s US-made F-16 fighter jets could enhance the operational and combat capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force.

According to the Indian position, such improvements could have implications for the regional military balance and affect India’s security interests.

New Delhi has also voiced concerns over growing defence cooperation between Pakistan and China, arguing that closer military ties between the two countries could raise questions about the security of sensitive defence technology supplied by the United States.