NEW DELHI: India on Saturday expressed disappointment over US administration’s decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, saying it disagrees that such arms’ transfers will help combat terrorism.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar summoned US Ambassador Richard Verma to convey India’s “displeasure”.
“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 external affairs ministry said in a statement.
The US government said on Friday it had approved the sale to Pakistan of up to eight F-16 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp, radar and other equipment in a deal valued at $699 million.
The Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said it had notified lawmakers about the possible deal.
The agency said the F-16s would allow Pakistan’s Air Force to operate in all-weather environments and at night, while improving its self-defence capability and bolstering its ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is rare since deals are well-vetted before any formal notification.
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency in a statement said “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.”
“The proposed sale improves Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats.”
The Defence Security Cooperation Agency stressed that “the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”