US understands India’s concern on Pakistan: Antony
By IANSWednesday, February 9, 2011
BANGALORE - India Wednesday said the US arms aid to Pakistan was a matter of serious concern but the Americans were coming around to understanding the Indian sensibilities.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony said on the sidelines of the AeroIndia show here that he had always pointed out to the US that the military aid to Pakistan meant to fight the Taliban was being diverted against India and this was not a happy situation.
“Our experience is that the arms provided by the US are used against us. It is a matter of serious concern for us. This is not a happy situation. But they (Americans) understand us now,” he said.
Antony was asked if the US military aid to Pakistan was worrisome and if he would convey his concerns to the Americans now that they want to expand defence cooperation with India.
The US in October last year provided arms aid worth $2.29 billion to Pakistan, raising concerns among the Indian security establishment.
New Delhi is also uneasy over the supply of US F-16 jets to Pakistan that are based at the Shahbaz air base.
