Betraying a sense of nervousness over United States’ decision to sell integrated air-defence weapons system to India, Pakistan on Thursday termed the move “disturbing” and added that it would further destabilise the already volatile region.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui told the media persons that the sale of such sophisticated weapons to India would disturb the strategic balance in South Asia with security implications for Pakistan and the region.
Farooqui also alleged that defence relations between the US and India were contributing to the destabilisation of peace and security in South Asia.
Accusing India of pursuing aggressive policy designs against Pakistan, the spokesperson said that South Asia could not afford an arms race and conflict.
“It is therefore incumbent upon the international community to prevent destabilisation of the region,” she said.
Earlier, the Trump Administration had notified the US Congress of its determination to sell India the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS). The entire system is estimated to cost India $1.867 billion.
The US move comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s India visit on Feb 24-25.
India had requested the US to buy an IADWS. The request was for five AN/MPQ-64Fl Sentinel radar systems; one hundred eighteen AMRAAM AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles; three AMRAAM Guidance Sections; four AMRAAM Control Sections; and one hundred thirty-four Stinger FIM-92L missiles.
