New Delhi: The reports of US Congrerss approving fresh military aid to Pakistan had caused some consternation among the diplomatic circles but the Indian officials are not worried over the development.
According to a report published in Times of India, Indian officials are of the opinion that the US Congress has actually sought to tighten conditions for Coalition Support Funds (CSF) to Pakistan.
The US senate on Wednesday passed National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)-2017 under which the quantum of non-waivable funds to Pakistan has been increased from $350 million in 2016 to $450 million in 2017. However, the release of this fund is contingent upon a certification by the US Administration that Pakistan has taken action to significantly disrupt safe-haven and freedom of movement of the Haqqani Network.
" In the Senate version of NDAA, CSF is proposed to be replaced with Pakistan Security Enhancenent Authorization (PSEA) for specifically defined activities of counter-terrorism and border security with a reduced allocation of $800 million which is a reduction of $100 million compared to 2016," the TOI report quoted its source as saying.
The report also points out that even Pakistan media has noted that out of the $602 billion military spending approved by the US, $800 million had been earmarked for Pakistan but with strings attached to it.
