The Indian Army’s Eastern Command shared a historic reminder that has stirred up public interest and political conversation. A newspaper clipping dated August 5, 1971, was posted with the caption “This Day That Year Build Up of War: 05 Aug 1971.” The headline of the report read, “U.S. Arms Worth $2 Billion Shipped to Pakistan Since ’54.”
The timing of this post is important. It came just after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized India for its oil trade with Russia. He accused India of buying Russian oil and reselling it for big profits while the Ukraine war continues. Trump also announced plans to raise tariffs on Indian goods, which has added pressure to India-U.S. trade relations.
The resurfaced 1971 article shows that India has dealt with similar concerns before. It points to a long history of what many see as double standards in U.S. foreign policy toward South Asia.
U.S. Sent $2 Billion in Arms to Pakistan Before 1971 War
The 1971 article was published during a tense time between India and Pakistan. Just months later, India would go to war with Pakistan, leading to the birth of Bangladesh. In the Rajya Sabha, Defence Production Minister V.C. Shukla revealed that the United States had sent military equipment worth $2 billion to Pakistan between 1954 and 1971.
These weren’t small supplies. The report listed tanks, Mirage fighter aircraft, air-to-air missiles, ground rockets, spare parts, and artillery ammunition as part of the aid. The U.S., along with NATO powers and even France, provided these weapons under military assistance programs, often at discounted rates or as part of concessional deals.
Shukla said that while Pakistan was getting heavily armed, India faced restrictions when it tried to purchase similar weapons. Even commercial orders placed by India were blocked or delayed by the U.S. and other Western nations.
This historical fact hit hard at the time — especially as many of these weapons were used by Pakistan during conflicts against India.
Trump Accuses India Over Russian Oil, Threatens Tariffs
In a recent social media post, President Donald Trump accused India of profiting from the Ukraine war. He claimed that India is not only buying large amounts of Russian oil but also reselling it on the open market for big profits. His post said, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.”
He also declared that he would substantially increase tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. from India. In the past, Trump had also mentioned a 25% tariff on all Indian imports and penalties for India’s purchase of Russian military equipment — though no official orders were issued then.
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India responded firmly. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the criticism was “unjustified and unreasonable.” It pointed out that both the U.S. and European Union countries continue to trade with Russia, despite their own sanctions and war-related concerns.
India explained that it turned to Russian oil only after traditional sources were redirected to Europe following the Ukraine conflict. The imports were necessary to keep fuel prices affordable for Indian consumers and ensure national energy security.
Army’s Reminder Aims to Highlight U.S. Double Standards
By posting the old 1971 article, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command reminded the public of a time when U.S. military support tilted heavily toward Pakistan — even during hostile periods. The post acts as a quiet but powerful response to the growing criticism India faces today.
It suggests that while India is being blamed for current choices, history tells a different story. A story where the U.S. made strategic decisions that had long-term consequences for the region.
The resurfacing of this article now, amid trade threats and oil policy tensions, is being seen by many as a strong message: Don’t forget the past when judging the present.