India summons US ambassador on decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan

The Obama administration today notified the US Congress of its decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

India summons US ambassador on decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan

New Delhi: India on Saturday reacted strongly over Obama administration's decision to notify sale of F-16 fighter aircrafts to Pakistan and summoned Ambassador Richard Verma.

India conveyed its "displeasure and disappointment" to the US envoy when he arrived at the South Block.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar summoned Verma to the South Block and told him about India's concerns over US military aid to Pakistan which New Delhi believes goes into anti-India activities.

Earlier today, New Delhi expressed its disappointment over the US' decision of selling eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistaan and disagreed with a rationale that such arms' transfers will help combat terrorism.

The Ministry of External Affairs made government's displeasure clear and issued a statement: 

India's decision comes after, the Obama administration today notified the US Congress of its decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan worth nearly USD 700 million, notwithstanding American lawmakers' demand for stopping the proposed sale.

Despite mounting opposition from influential lawmakers 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.

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