Date:07/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/07/stories/2007090761471100.htm

National

Pakistan may use U.S. arms against India, says Pranab

Sandeep Dikshit

“Aid is often justified as playing a role in the war on terrorism”

“We are against an arms race in the region”
Steps will be taken to safeguard India’s security

NEW DELHI: India is apprehensive that U.S. weapons being supplied to Pakistan could be used against it in the event of a war.

Citing a study, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, “This assistance is often justified as playing a critical role in the war on terrorism, whereas, in reality, the weapons systems are often ‘prestige items’ to help Pakistan in the event of a war with India.

“The study emphasises that few of these weapons are likely to provide much help in rooting out the Al-Qaeda or the Taliban.”

Critical role

Quoting the study conducted by a Washington-based think tank, Mr. Mukherjee said that of the $10-billion assistance provided by the U.S. to Pakistan over the past five-plus years, roughly 18 per cent or $1.8 billions had gone towards security assistance. This assistance was often justified as playing a critical role in the war with Pakistan but India did not subscribe to this view, he said.

“The Government of India’s position in this regard is well known. We are against an arms race in the region. [The] government’s concerns have been expressed to the U.S. and other nations. [The] government will take all necessary steps to safeguard India’s security,” said the Minister.

While expressing doubts over the efficacy of the U.S.-supplied defence platforms in the fight against terrorism, Mr. Mukherjee said the aid was tied to Islamabad’s performance in the fight against terrorism.

The ‘Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007’ signed into law by U.S. President George Bush last month has prescribed limitations on security assistance to Pakistan for fiscal 2008.

Funds for the subsequent years will depend on Pakistan showing progress in “preventing Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organisations from operating in the territory of Pakistan, including eliminating terrorist camps or facilities, arresting members and leaders of terrorist organisations and countering recruitment efforts.”

Corrections and clarifications