Saturday, March 29, 2025
Increasing Pressure on Pakistan
Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale to India, focused on enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness and related equipment. The estimated cost of the sale is $131 million.
Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
Relations between India and Pakistan have further deteriorated after the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan has been violating the ceasefire agreement by initiating cross-border firing, prompting appropriate retaliation from Indian forces. Amid this rising tension, the US decision to support India has added to Pakistan’s challenges.
According to official sources, this approval will strengthen India’s presence in the maritime domain and improve its capability to face current and future threats. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has also issued the required certification for this potential sale.
Details of the Military Assistance
The Indian government has requested equipment including:
C-Vision software
Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) training
Remote software and analytical support
Access to C-Vision documentation and more
The US government stated:
“This sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the US-India strategic relationship and enhancing the security of a major defense partner. India continues to be a key force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”
Diplomatic Outreach by the US
In parallel, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging both countries to avoid escalation.
Rubio expressed condolences for the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack, reaffirming America’s commitment to cooperate with India in the fight against terrorism. He also called on Pakistan to cooperate in the investigation of the attack, which claimed 26 lives. Jaishankar responded by stating that the perpetrators, sponsors, and conspirators behind the attack must be brought to justice.
