New Delhi: 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.
We are disappointed at the decision of the Obama Administration to notify the sale of F-16 aircrafts to Pakistan pic.twitter.com/NGdrAL2m9i
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) February 13, 2016
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.
Read: India disappointed over US decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan
"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.
Read: Barack Obama administration notifies Congress of sale of F-16s to Pak
"The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself," the MEA statement said.
Read: Congress questions Modi's foreign policy over US' decision to sell F-16 jets to Pak
The Obama administration today said it has decided to sell eight nuclear-capable F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan worth nearly USD 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.
Read: US' proposed sale of F-16s to Pak likely to face resistance
