Rajnath Singh flags US F-16 package for Pakistan during talks with Pete Hegseth in Cebu

New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, reportedly raised concerns over US support for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter fleet during talks with US secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, in Cebu on Wednesday. The issue surfaced as New Delhi and Washington reviewed their 10-year defence framework on the sidelines of the 13th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

India’s concerns centred on a proposed $686 million programme to upgrade and sustain Pakistan’s fighter jets, sources privy to the meeting told reporters. The Indian defence ministry’s public account confirmed the meeting but did not mention the F-16 issue.

The Indian side also reportedly raised concerns that advanced American military technology supplied to Pakistan could reach third countries, particularly China, given Islamabad’s close defence cooperation with Beijing. According to media reports, New Delhi warned about the potential security implications of such technology transfers, although the defence ministry’s official statement did not mention these concerns.

What the US package covers

US records show that Washington notified congress of the proposed sale on 4 December 2025. The package includes 92 Link-16 systems for secure tactical data-sharing, avionics and cryptographic upgrades, navigation equipment, spare parts, training and maintenance support.

The notification also lists six inert 500-pound bomb bodies, which are not live bombs. It envisages refurbishing Pakistan’s existing F-16s and extending their service life through 2040, rather than supplying new fighter aircraft.

Lockheed Martin is identified as the principal contractor for the proposed programme.

The proposed F-16 programme follows an earlier US contract modification involving sustainment support for advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (Amraam) stocks, including those operated by Pakistan. In October 2025, the US embassy in India clarified that the contract covered maintenance and spare parts for existing missile stocks, rather than deliveries of new missiles or upgrades to Pakistan’s existing capabilities.

Washington says the proposed sale would support counterterrorism cooperation and would not alter the regional military balance. The notification does not establish that all equipment has been contracted or delivered.

India-US defence cooperation continues

India has long scrutinized US military assistance to Pakistan because of its potential implications during military confrontations between the neighbouring countries.

According to the defence ministry, Singh and Hegseth reviewed operational readiness, technology sharing, co-production and defence supply-chain integration. They also discussed military exchanges and maritime security cooperation.

Singh called for zero tolerance towards countries supporting terrorist organizations. Hegseth reaffirmed US support for India against cross-border terrorism, the ministry said.

As RNA Media earlier reported, the ministers examined progress under the decade-long defence framework signed in October 2025 to guide closer security and industrial cooperation.

Singh also held separate bilateral meetings with Australian deputy prime minister and defence minister, Richard Marles and Japanese defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus. The discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation, military interoperability, maritime security and regional stability. Singh described the India-US defence partnership as a cornerstone of a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific, while his meeting with Koizumi reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to a free, open and peaceful region.

The Cebu talks highlighted New Delhi’s twin priorities: conveying concerns about American military assistance to Pakistan while pursuing stronger defence technology, industrial and operational ties with Washington.