WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State, Dr Henry Kissinger, yesterday [Feb 25] rejected as unacceptable Indian Ambassador T.N. Kaul’s strong criticism of the United States decision to lift 10-year-old embargo on supply of arms to Pakistan. But, he said at a news conference, the statement of Indian Foreign Minister Y.B. Chavan was restrained and statesmanlike. …

Dr Kissinger said: With respect to the relationship between India and the [US], in a speech in New Delhi last October, I pointed out that India, because of its size and its position, has a special role in South Asia which the [US] recognises. I have also pointed out that the [US] has no interest … in an arms race in South Asia.

We maintain both … statements. It seemed to us, however, that to maintain an embargo against a friendly country with which we have an allied relationship, while its neighbour was producing and acquiring nearly a billion dollars worth of arms a year, was morally, politically and symbolically improper. I repeat: the decision to lift the embargo does not mean the [US] will engage in a massive supply of arms to Pakistan or that the [US] will engage in arms deliveries that can affect the underlying strategic balance.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2025