Amid rising tensions over trade and diplomatic relations, the Indian Army has taken a swipe at the United States by referencing a historical instance of US support for Pakistan. This move is seen as a reaction to recent criticisms and threats of increased tariffs by the US, specifically concerning India's import of Russian oil.
On August 5, 2025, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army shared an old newspaper clipping from August 5, 1971. The clipping highlighted that the United States had supplied arms worth $2 billion to Pakistan since 1954. The post was captioned, "This day, that year build up of war - August 5, 1971". The news report featured then Defence Production Minister VC Shukla informing the Parliament that while France and the Soviet Union had refused to sell arms to Pakistan, the United States and China continued to supply weapons, allegedly at "throwaway prices".
This action by the Indian Army is viewed as a strong message to the United States, reminding them of their historical ties and military alignment with Pakistan. It also comes in the wake of accusations from the US that India is contributing to the conflict in Ukraine by continuing its trade relations with Russia. The Indian Army's post can be interpreted as a counter-argument, pointing out the long-standing relationship between the US and Pakistan, particularly in the context of military support.
The timing of the post is particularly noteworthy. It follows closely after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods, citing India's trade with Russia. Trump stated that India was not only buying large quantities of Russian oil but also selling it on the open market for substantial profits, disregarding the human cost of the conflict in Ukraine. In response, he declared his intention to "substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods".
India has defended its position by arguing that its oil imports from Russia are a "market necessity". The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also criticized the "inconsistent and selective approach" of Western countries, including the US and the European Union, noting that many of these countries continue to trade with Russia despite their criticism of India. Some reports indicate that the US had initially encouraged such imports from Russia during the early months of the Ukraine war when energy prices were soaring.
The Indian Army's decision to highlight the historical US arms supply to Pakistan serves as a reminder of what India perceives as double standards in US foreign policy. By referencing the 1971 war and the US support for Pakistan during that period, India is subtly criticizing the US for its past actions while also addressing current trade and diplomatic tensions. This incident underscores the complex and sometimes strained relationship between India and the United States, marked by differing perspectives on geopolitical issues and trade policies.
