Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday conveyed to US defence secretary Lloyd Austin India’s concerns over Washington’s decision to provide a $450-million sustainable package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet fleet.

“I conveyed India’s concern at the recent US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet,” Rajnath said in a tweet after a telephone conversation with Austin.

The Joe Biden administration has approved the $450-million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme for Pakistan to help it meet current and future counter-terrorism threats.“Had a warm and productive telephonic conversation with the US Secretary of Defence Mr Lloyd Austin. We discussed growing convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defence & security co-operation,” Rajnath tweeted.

The defence minister said he looked forward to continued dialogue with Austin to further consolidate the India-US partnership.“We also discussed ways to strengthen technological and industrial collaboration and also explore cooperation in emerging and critical technologies,” Rajnath tweeted.A statement from the defence ministry said Rajnath and Austin also discussed regional issues and affirmed their shared desire for maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond.The two reiterated that both sides would continue their productive engagements with the objective of deepening the India-US strategic partnership.

“The Raksha Mantri conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Secretary Austin in India for the next Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in 2023,” the statement said.