Friday, Apr 19, 2024 | Last Update : 06:34 PM IST
New Delhi objects to US sale of F16s to Pakistan
Taking serious note of the United States’ decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, India on Saturday summoned US ambassador Richard Verma to convey its “displeasure and disappointment” over the
Taking serious note of the United States’ decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, India on Saturday summoned US ambassador Richard Verma to convey its “displeasure and disappointment” over the development.
Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar summoned Mr Verma to South Block and during the 45-minute meeting told him about India’s concerns over US military aid to Pakistan which New Delhi believes goes into anti-India activities.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) also issued a strong statement expressing its “disappointment” over the US decision. It said it disagrees with the rationale that these arms transfers to Pakistan will help combat terrorism.
“We are disappointed at the decision of the Obama administration to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself,” the MEA statement said.
Meanwhile agency reports from Washington said the Obama administration has decided to sell eight nuclear-capable F-16 fighter jets, worth nearly $700 million, to Pakistan. The proposal has now gone to the US Congress, which has 30 days to take a decision on it.
Despite mounting opposition from influential legislators from both the Republican and Democratic parties, the US state department notified the Congress that it has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the government of Pakistan for F-16 Block 52 aircraft, equipment, training, and logistics support, agencies reported.
The estimated cost is $700 million, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency — a wing of the Pentagon — said in a statement, adding that this proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia.
Asserting that this will not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon said the proposed sale improves Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats.
