India on Saturday summoned US Ambassador Richard Verma to register its protest and concern over Washnigton’s decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan for combating terrorism. New Delhi says Pakistan will use this military aid for anti-India activities and “record of last many years in this regard speaks for itself.”
Reacting to the Obama administration’s decision on Saturday to sell eight nuclear-capable F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan worth nearly $700 million, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar summoned Verma to South Block here to convey the Government’s “displeasure and disappointment” over it. The proposal to sell fighter jet has now gone to the US Congress, which has 30 days to take a decision on it.
During the 45-minute meeting, Jaishankar told the US envoy about India’s concerns over US military aid to Pakistan which New Delhi believes goes into anti-India activities. Sources said such aid will embolden Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs 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 aircrafts to Pakistan. We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of last many years in this regard speaks for itself,” the statement said.
Sources said India has always suffered whenever US gave military aid to Pakistan in the past as the strong Army establishment there diverts these assets to bolster its operational capabilities to counter India. Moreover, the latest US aid will alter the military balance in the sub-continent leading to tension in the region, they said.
Refuting these apprehensions about military balance between India and Pakistan, the Pentagon said the proposed sale improves Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future security threats.
These additional F-16 aircraft will facilitate operations in all-weather, non-daylight environments, provide a self-defence and area suppression capability and enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations.