New Delhi, India – A series of US military cargo flights to India has ignited a firestorm of regional controversy, particularly from neighboring Pakistan and China, amidst a fragile ongoing ceasefire in the region. Independent flight data and satellite imagery have confirmed the arrival of seven US Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft at New Delhi’s Palam Technical Airport between May 12th and 13th, 2025, originating from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The nature of the cargo, strongly suggested to be military hardware, has triggered accusations of escalating tensions and undermining regional stability.
Data from independent aviation trackers, including FlightRadar24, unequivocally demonstrates the unusual frequency and coordinated nature of these large military transport flights. This pattern strongly indicates a pre-planned and significant airlift operation rather than routine civilian traffic. Further bolstering these observations, satellite imagery dated May 13th, corroborated by a report in Jane’s Defence Weekly, reveals substantial unloading activity at the military section of Delhi’s airport. Visible in the images are numerous crates bearing unmistakable US Department of Defense (DoD) markings, lending credence to the claim of military equipment being transferred.
While the US Department of Defense has refrained from directly commenting on the specific shipments to India, a Pentagon spokesperson issued a statement on May 13th that, while indirect, offers a degree of confirmation. The spokesperson stated, “We continue to support partners in the Indo-Pacific region in maintaining security and stability.” This broad statement, in the context of the confirmed cargo flights, has been interpreted by many regional observers as an implicit acknowledgment of the military support being provided to India.
The Indian government, through its Ministry of Defence, has attempted to downplay the significance of these deliveries. A spokesperson labeled the shipments as “routine deliveries under an ongoing bilateral defense logistics agreement,” firmly denying any connection to recent ceasefire violations or any form of aggressive posturing. However, this explanation has failed to quell the concerns of neighboring nations.
Pakistan has reacted with strong condemnation. The Foreign Office in Islamabad summoned the US ambassador to lodge a formal diplomatic protest, characterizing the military cargo flights as a “serious provocation” at a time when regional tensions are already heightened due to the ongoing ceasefire. Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan’s military intelligence has alleged that the cargo included “precision ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) drones and communication jammers,” suggesting a potential enhancement of India’s military capabilities with equipment particularly relevant to border monitoring and electronic warfare.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is a viral tweet from Zafar Hilaly, a retired Pakistani diplomat with reported ties to intelligence circles. His post, viewed by over 90,000 users, speculated on the influence of a certain prominent individual and accused the US of surreptitiously arming India under the guise of diplomatic relations. While these claims remain speculative, Hilaly’s background lends a degree of perceived weight to his assertions within the regional discourse.
The unfolding events have also drawn a sharp response from China. Beijing has labeled the US military cargo flights as “irresponsible” and a direct threat to the delicate regional balance. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged the United States to immediately cease arms deliveries, especially during a period intended to foster peace and de-escalation through a ceasefire.
The confirmed evidence of US military cargo being moved into India has undoubtedly injected a new element of instability into an already tense regional landscape. While the Indian government insists on the routine nature of the deliveries, the timing and the alleged nature of the equipment have triggered strong reactions and accusations of undermining the ongoing ceasefire efforts. The coming days will be crucial in determining the long-term ramifications of these military shipments on the fragile peace in the region.
