In light of the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on Indian entities doing business with Russia, India faces a critical juncture where it must assert its sovereignty and retaliate against U.S. companies that are supplying defense goods to Pakistan. The U.S. sanctions stem from India’s ongoing cooperation with Russia, particularly in defense, which the U.S. perceives as contradictory to its geopolitical interests. However, the U.S. continues to maintain military ties with Pakistan, providing it with essential military hardware under the guise of counter-terrorism support.
The recent round of U.S. sanctions targeted several Chinese firms and one Belarusian company for their involvement in supplying technology to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This ongoing support for Pakistan’s military capabilities exacerbates the security dilemma in South Asia, especially considering that both India and Pakistan possess nuclear arsenals. As of January 2024, Pakistan is reported to have approximately 170 nuclear warheads, maintaining a precarious balance against India’s 172 nuclear warheads.
India must take a firm stand against the U.S. by considering sanctions on American defense companies that engage in arms sales to Pakistan. Such a move would not only serve as a countermeasure to the U.S. sanctions on Indian firms but would also send a clear message: India is not a puppet state and will not tolerate actions that undermine its national security or strategic interests. The U.S. approach, which oscillates between supporting India and bolstering Pakistan, displays a troubling lack of consistency and respect for India’s security concerns.
.Furthermore, the U.S. justification for continuing military assistance to Pakistan—claiming it is necessary for counter-terrorism operations—rings hollow, especially given the long history of Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups that threaten India. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s remarks that recent arms packages are merely for maintaining existing equipment do little to assuage India’s concerns about Pakistan’s military capabilities being directed against it.
The principle of equal treatment in international relations demands that India retaliate against U.S. defense suppliers to Pakistan, which would underscore India’s status as a significant player in the global order. By taking such measures, India would not only protect its own interests but also contribute to a more balanced power dynamic in the region, making it clear that it will not be intimidated or dictated to by external powers.
In conclusion, it is imperative that India adopts a robust stance against the U.S. military assistance to Pakistan. Sanctioning U.S. companies supplying defense goods to Pakistan is a necessary and justified response, reflecting India’s determination to safeguard its national interests and assert its sovereignty on the global stage.
