France pauses heavy arms sale to Pak on India concern

France has been a major arms supplier to Pakistan. The entire fleet of Pakistani submarines is of French origin. The Pakistani air force and navy operate the largest fleet of Mirage III and Mirage V fighters in the world.

Longuet did not specify the issues on which France has sought clarifications from Pakistan. But officials pointed to increasing evidence of the ISI’s direct support to terrorism,and the fact that Osama Bin Laden was found literally next door to a large military training academy in Abbottabad.

“This point (the sale of French arms to Pakistan) was raised during the bilateral meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Paris recently. I can tell you that France is only selling Pakistan equipment that can be used for electronic interception to fight terror,” Longuet said in response to questions from reporters.

“We have discouraged any request from Pakistan for heavy equipment,” he added.

The French minister did not,however,respond directly to a question on whether arms sales to Pakistan had been stopped permanently.

“This part of the world needs some clarification and stability as well. India is an old strategic partner.

Regarding Pakistan we are waiting for clarifications,” he said. Longuet said France was keenly watching the discussions between US and Pakistani officials during the ongoing visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for more clarifications on Islamabad’s support for terror outfits.

The minister,who is on a two-day visit to India,also made a pitch for the French Rafale fighter for India’s $ 10-billion MMRCA contract. France,he said,is committed to providing the best technology to India.

“We have one single speaking partner (Dassault) instead of four partners (European firms from Italy,Germany,Spain and UK),” he said,taking a dig at EADS,another manufacturer in the race.

Longuet also announced that India and France would undertake a first round of army exercises under the Shakti series later this year.