Cong slams govt’s silence on US F-16 support to Pak

Congress leader Ajoy Kumar raised concerns that the F-16s could be used against India, recalling how Pakistan had deployed them after the Balakot airstrike in violation of US end-use agreements. “Even as the US promises stringent oversight, skeptics remember how these same F-16s were used against India,” Kumar said.

He accused the government of “meekly surrendering” to the US, failing to secure India’s interests. “The Modi government is afraid. The US is aiding Pakistan and our government doesn’t even have the courage to object,” he said.

In an attempt to reassure India, the US has reportedly offered access to its advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter — a historic shift, as Washington had previously denied India access due to its purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defence system, which triggered US CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions.

However, Kumar cited SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s skepticism about the F-35’s performance. “The F-35 is not in India’s interest… It is too expensive,” he said.

Kumar also criticised the government’s trade policies, warning that a failure to impose tariffs on foreign agricultural products would devastate Indian farmers. “Will India become a dumping ground for US and Chinese products?” he asked.

He warned that if American agricultural imports were allowed without tariffs, “we will have California milk and Swiss cheese flooding Indian markets, destroying farmers in Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.”

“It is akin to selling your home,” he added, urging the government to protect domestic agriculture from unfair competition.