India on Tuesday expressed its concern to the US over the decision to sell F-16 fighter planes to Pakistan even as Washington said the aircraft were meant for anti-terror operations. After talks with visiting US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said he raised the issue of sale of F-16 aircraft.
Parrikar made this assertion when mediapersons repeatedly asked him and Carter about sale of F-16s in the backdrop of India earlier lodging its protest saying, “We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism.” New Delhi is of the firm opinion that these planes will be used against India. The US in February said it planned to supply eight F-16s worth over 699 million dollars to Pakistan.