New Delhi, Feb 13: India Friday asked the US not to give USD 860 million aid including USD 265 million for military hardware to Pakistan, saying all such aids go directly into anti-India activities.
“Our position on this has been made clear on a number of occasions. We believe that all such aids actually go directly into activities directed against India. It should not be given,” External Affairs Minister Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said when asked about the proposed US aid of USD 860 million.
Earlier this week, the Obama administration proposed USD 860 million in aid for Pakistan, including USD 265 million for military hardware, which it said would help the country fight terrorists, secure nuclear weapons and improve ties with India.
While there was no mention of Pakistan in President Barack Obama’s budgetary proposals, Secretary of State John Kerry in his proposals said the budget includes USD 859.8 million towards sustaining ties with Pakistan and making progress to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat violent extremist groups”.
“The requested funding will support the country’s counter-insurgency missions, and bolster stability, energy access, economic growth, and social reform,” Kerry said in a letter accompanying his proposals on February 9.
