Indian Army Shares 1971 US-Pakistan Arms Clip Amid Tensions
The Eastern Command of the Indian Army reignited a historical flashpoint on Tuesday by posting a 1971 newspaper clipping that highlighted the US arms support to Pakistan. The post comes at a time when Indo-US ties are strained due to Washington’s remarks on India’s crude oil imports from Russia.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Army’s Eastern Command shared the vintage newspaper article under the caption:
“This Day That Year Build Up of War: 05 Aug 1971”, using the hashtag #KnowFacts. The article headline read:
“US ARMS WORTH $2 BILLION SHIPPED TO PAKISTAN SINCE ’54.”
#IndianArmy#EasternCommand#VijayVarsh #LiberationOfBangladesh #MediaHighlights
“This Day That Year” Build Up of War – 05 Aug 1971 #KnowFacts.
“𝑼.𝑺 𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑺 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑯 $2 𝑩𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷𝑷𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝑷𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑵 𝑺𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑬 ’54”@adgpi@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/wO9jiLlLQf
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) August 5, 2025
The reminder appeared timely and deliberate, just hours after former US President Donald Trump accused India of profiteering from the Ukraine war and hinted at imposing steep tariffs on Indian imports.
Trump’s Criticism: Russian Oil and Rising Tariffs
On Monday, Trump claimed in a social media post that India was “buying massive amounts of Russian oil” and reselling it for profit.
“They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine,” Trump wrote, adding that he would raise tariffs on Indian imports.
Previously, Trump had proposed a 25% tariff on all Indian goods, with additional penalties for buying Russian weapons and crude oil. However, the official notification lacked specific mentions of such enforcement.
These statements have further escalated tensions, especially with India facing increased scrutiny from both the US and the European Union for its continued energy ties with Moscow.
India’s Strong Response: “Double Standards Must Stop”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply to Western criticism. In a detailed statement, the MEA pointed out the hypocrisy in the West’s approach.
“India began importing oil from Russia because traditional suppliers diverted shipments to Europe. The US actively encouraged this at the time to stabilize global energy markets,” the statement noted.
The MEA further clarified that India’s Russian oil imports are a matter of national necessity, aimed at providing predictable and affordable energy to its population. It also highlighted that both the US and EU continue to trade with Russia, not out of necessity but for profit.
“Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the ministry emphasized.
1971 Flashback: Context Behind Army’s Post
The Eastern Command’s post refers to a period leading up to the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which ultimately led to the liberation of Bangladesh. During this time, the US continued to supply military aid to Pakistan, despite growing concerns about human rights violations in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
The Army’s shared article coincided with a Rajya Sabha debate in 1971, where India’s foreign policy was heavily focused on countering American bias toward Pakistan. The US had provided Pakistan with military aid worth over $2 billion since 1954, including aircraft, tanks, and ammunition.
The Indian Army’s reminder serves as a strategic historical rebuke to the present-day US stance, indirectly asking: “Who supported whom during global conflicts?”
Geopolitical Implications: Strategic Messaging or Warning?
While the Indian Army’s post may seem symbolic, it sends a strong message at a sensitive time. With growing criticism over India’s neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, the flashback is likely meant to remind both domestic and international audiences of America’s inconsistent foreign policy legacy in South Asia.
It also underscores that India has often acted in its national interest, even when global superpowers have tried to sway its choices.