US decision to 'allocate' funds for Pakistan's F-16 maintenance raises questions: Congress

The grand old party called for a reassessment of India's foreign policy priorities to safeguard national interests.

New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday questioned Narendra Modi government's “efficacy” in diplomacy and sought a reassessment of its foreign policy priorities, as US President Donald Trump decided to allocate USD 397 million for Pakistan's F-16 fleet maintenance.

It also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should “summon the courage” to remind his “good friend that the T in WTO stands for Trade not Trump”, as reciprocal tariffs are a “complete negation of all accepted principles of international trade”.

Congress Media and Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera said the recent decision by Trump on the F-16 fleet raises “critical questions” about the Modi government's “diplomatic efficacy”while reminding of the 2022 Biden administration's USD 450 million package for the same purpose.

It highlights a “pattern” of the US military support to Pakistan and “such actions potentially compromise” India's security interests, especially given the historical use of F-16s by Pakistan against India, he said.

Recalling that India and the US significantly deepened their strategic and defence cooperation across multiple domains, he said, “robust” diplomatic and strategic initiatives were taken during those years, strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and global influence.

Historically, he said, the Congress party has “championed a balanced and proactive” foreign policy, “fostering” non-alignment along with strategic autonomy.

He also raised concerns over the proposal to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the US, which has been met with criticism due to high costs and operational challenges. 

Elon Musk, for instance, labelled it as 'junk' after questioning its efficacy, he said adding, Russia has “offered to produce” its advanced Su-57 jets in India, presenting a “potentially more viable alternative”, he said.

Questioning the government's diplomatic strategy, he asked whether there is a “comprehensive plan” to address the implications of US military aid to Pakistan and how does the government ensure that India's security concerns are not sidelined in the pursuit of high-value defense procurements.

“A reassessment of our foreign policy priorities, drawing from the Congress party's legacy of strategic foresight, is essential to safeguard national interests,” he said.

Separately, Khera posed five questions to the Modi government on reciprocal tariffs by the US.

Khera asked how the government plans to protect the interests of domestic farmers, who make up 45.76 per cent of the workforce, in light of potential increased imports from the US.

“Will the government now consider changes in domestic policy, particularly the legalisation of MSP, to provide basic income support to Indian farmers? What assurances will the Indian government secure to prevent India from becoming a dumping ground for cheap US agricultural imports?” Khera said.

He also asked how the government plan to safeguard the MSME sector, whose production will be severely impacted by costly exports and increased competition from foreign products. “What will be the impact of reciprocal tariffs on India’s GDP?” he asked.