India questions US ‘double standards’ as Pakistan secures F-16 upgrade deal

AI Summary

India has criticized the US decision to provide Pakistan with a $686 million upgrade package for its F-16 fighter jets, calling it a double standard. The modernization does not include nuclear weapons, but analysts say improved navigation, communications, and survivability could strengthen the aircraft’s role in Pakistan’s existing nuclear strike capabilities.

Washington’s decision to upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets has drawn accusations of double standards from critics in India, who question why the United States is strengthening a nuclear-armed ally while waging war against Iran over its nuclear programme. Although the US$686 million military modernisation package does not include nuclear weapons, analysts say that improvements to the fighter jets’ navigation, communications and survivability could boost Pakistan’s existing nuclear strike...