Jaishankar exposes EU double-standard: The weapons Pakistan got from Europe

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently took aim at European Union policies during a public address in Finland, highlighting what he described as a double standard regarding India’s procurement of energy resources from Russia. Speaking at the Kultaranta Talks, an event focused on emerging powers and geopolitical shifts, Jaishankar challenged the EU’s criticism of India’s decision to import Russian crude oil since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

He emphasized that European nations themselves had historically supplied weapons that were later used against India, pointing to a long-standing pattern of defense exports to Pakistan, a country with whom India has had historical tensions. This critique came amid ongoing discussions about global energy markets and the geopolitical implications of energy diplomacy. Jaishankar noted that while the EU has consistently condemned India’s reliance on Russian oil, these same countries continue to engage in arms sales to Pakistan, which has been a strategic rival of India in the region.

The minister highlighted that European nations have played a pivotal role in equipping Pakistan’s military infrastructure over the past several decades. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), multiple European countries have contributed to Pakistan’s defense capabilities. France, for instance, has been a major supplier of fighter jets, including the Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 models, as well as advanced missile systems and submarines such as the Agosta-70 and 90B variants. These contributions have significantly bolstered Pakistan’s aerial and naval capacities.

The United Kingdom has also been a consistent provider of military hardware to Pakistan, offering naval and anti-tank systems, as well as helicopters like the Sea King and Lynx, which have been deployed in maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations. Sweden, meanwhile, has supplied the Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control aircraft, enhancing Pakistan’s ability to monitor and manage airspace effectively. Italy has contributed through the installation of OTO Melara naval guns on Pakistan’s warships and the provision of AW 139 helicopters for both air and ground operations.

Germany has supported Pakistan’s naval modernization efforts through the supply of marine engines, propulsion systems, and sensor technologies, contributing to the development of advanced naval platforms. Turkey, in recent years, has emerged as a close defense partner, providing the Babur-class corvettes and assisting in the modernization of Pakistan’s existing submarine fleet. Additionally, Turkey has supplied the Bayraktar TB2 armed drones, which have become a critical asset in Pakistan’s military strategy.

Ukraine has also played a role, exporting 320 T-80UD main battle tanks and associated engine systems that have been integrated into Pakistan’s Al-Khalid tank program, thereby enhancing its armored warfare capabilities. Despite China currently being the primary arms supplier to Pakistan, the cumulative impact of European defense exports has shaped the balance of power in the South Asian region.

Jaishankar’s remarks underscored the broader debate around arms exports and their geopolitical consequences, particularly in regions marked by complex alliances and historical conflicts. His comments reflect a growing concern among some Indian officials about the ethical implications of international arms trade and its potential to influence regional stability. As the situation continues to evolve, the dialogue between India and European nations on issues of security, energy, and trade will likely remain a focal point of diplomatic engagement.