Indian Army Revives 1971 US-Pakistan Arms Deal to Subtly Counter Renewed US-Islamabad Ties

In a carefully timed move, the Indian Army on Tuesday brought attention to a long-forgotten chapter in U.S.-Pakistan relations by posting an old newspaper clipping from 1971, highlighting how the United States had supplied over $2 billion worth of military equipment to Pakistan between 1954 and 1971. The post, shared by the Army’s Eastern Command under its archival series “This Day That Year,” served as a subtle reminder of America’s historic tilt toward Pakistan — just as Washington reopens energy cooperation talks with Islamabad.

According to the 1971 news excerpt, the U.S. had equipped Pakistan with fighter jets, missiles, submarines, tanks, and artillery — much of it at concessional or “throw-away prices.” The information was originally disclosed in Parliament by then Defence Production Minister V. C. Shukla, who expressed concern over continued arms support to Pakistan despite its brutal crackdown in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

The timing of the post is significant. It came just hours after reports emerged of U.S. officials showing renewed interest in developing Pakistan’s oil sector, a move widely seen as a new phase in U.S.-Pakistan economic engagement. This also follows a recent visit by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir to the United States, suggesting warming ties between the two nations.

Interestingly, this rekindled cooperation comes even as former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizes India’s oil trade with Russia, adding another layer of geopolitical irony. Many analysts believe the Indian Army’s post was not just a historical throwback, but a pointed message—highlighting that U.S. support for Pakistan has long existed despite serious human rights concerns and regional instability.

The 1971 article also captured a warning from then Pakistan President Yahya Khan, who threatened war if any aggression was carried out in East Pakistan. Just months later, in December 1971, war did break out between India and Pakistan, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.

The archival post is being seen by observers as a quiet but firm diplomatic signal. While New Delhi has refrained from making any official statements on the latest U.S.-Pakistan oil overtures, the Indian Army’s reminder of past American favoritism has stirred fresh discussions in strategic circles.

As India walks a fine line balancing its oil imports from Russia and its complex relations with Washington, the resurfaced memory of past military alignments serves as a reminder of how history still shapes the present.