New Delhi has expressed concern over every possibility of recent US military aid to Pakistan being used against India. The Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony informed that during his meeting with US National security advisor James Jones and chairman of joint chief of staff admiral Michael Mullen last week, he had conveyed India's concerns in this regard and pointed out that the support was disproportionate to Pakistan's requirement to fight against the Taliban. Expressing anxiety,Mr.Antony said that there is every possibility of diverting this sophisticated equipment against India. The Defence Minister was talking to newsmen in New Delhi on Monday morning after laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to mark the 11th anniversary of the Kargil war against Pakistan. Asked if the government had failed to capitalise on the gains made by Indian soldiers during the Kargil battle, he said, government will provide whatever was needed for the armed forces to protect every inch of Indian Territory. He reiterated that government will strengthen the armed forces. AIR correspondent reports, Mr. Antony had told Admiral Mullen that India's worries that Pakistan was diverting the American military assistance to building capacities against India. The defence minister had said that arms aid to Pakistan, worth billions of dollars annually, was disproportionate to the war on terror for which it was intended and the US should ensure it was used only for the purpose meant for. He had also suggested that the US should set up a monitoring mechanism to ensure that there was no diversion of the aid which Pakistan receives. Admiral Mullen, however, had said that the military aid to Pakistan did not in any way greatly imbalance” its capabilities vis-a-vis India. Asked whether the US would take a re-look at the assistance if India provided evidence of misuse by Pakistan, Admiral Mullen, had termed it as a hypothetical question but said if there was a change in use of the weapon systems, the US would look at it.
News On AIR | July 26, 2010 12:19 PM
US aid to Pakistan may be used against India: Antony