US-Pakistan Military Deals: India Should Forge Its Own Path

• US approved a $686 million tech upgrade for Pakistan's F16 fighter jets, extending their operational life and addressing safety concerns, following earlier aid for upgrades.
• Pakistan was also added to the US list of Amraam missile purchasers, further strengthening military ties.
• Beyond military, the US is investing $1.25 billion in Pakistan's Reko Diq copper-gold mining project and exploring critical minerals like antimony, crucial for the US arms industry.
• India views these US actions as propping up Pakistan despite its strategic partnership with India and Pakistan's past violation of F16 end-user agreements against India.
• The article suggests India should focus on its own manufacturing, defense industry, and diverse partnerships rather than being deterred by US-Pakistan rapprochement.

Why It Matters: US-Pakistan rapprochement impacts India's security and strategic autonomy.