India summons US Ambassador, conveys displeasure over move to sell F16 jets to Pakistan

Reacting strongly, India on Saturday summoned US Ambassador Richard Verma to convey its "displeasure and disappointment" over Obama administration's decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar summoned Verma to the 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.
According to sources, such military aids will embolden Pakistan. External Affairs Ministry also issued a strong statement expressing its "disappointment" over the US decision. It said it disagrees with the rationale that these arms transfer to Pakistan will help in combating 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.

The Obama administration on Saturday said it has decided to sell eight nuclear-capable F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan worth nearly US $700 million. The proposal has now gone to the US Congress, which has 30 days to take a decision on it. There is a feeling in official circles here that India has turned out be the victim whenever any military aid has been given to Pakistan in past.