United States allays India’s fears on selling F-16 jets to Pakistan

India today said its relationship with the United States will not be affected after the U.S. decision to sell F16 jet fighters to Pakistan.

“We think this is important capabilities for the Pakistan to go after terrorists, the spokesman said referring to the F-16 aircraft which had been playing an important role in the ongoing military operation against terrorists”.

Meanwhile, Pentagon has stated that it sees America’s relationship with India and Pakistan “separately”.

“We think that the fighter jets are important capabilities for Pakistan to go after terrorists”, he said, adding that “it should not be of concern to India”.

Washington’s move was met with dismay in New Delhi and the Indian government summoned the USA ambassador to record its “disappointment and displeasure” over the planned sale. We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism”, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

USA defense asked India to not comment negatively on approval of deal pertaining to provision of fighter jets. “Their army and arsenal stock is much larger and they are the largest importer of defence equipment”.

These additional F-16 aircraft will facilitate operations in all weather, non-daylight environments, provide a self defence/area suppression capability, and enhance Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations, the Pentagon had said.

The agency said the sales would “improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia”. Corker expressed his disapproval in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Pakistan is one of the older users of F-16s and has received these jet fighters from the United States periodically over the past 30 years.

Pentagon spokesman again reiterated the point at the briefing about the importance of the F-16 deal. The administration has proposed to pay the bulk of the $699 million cost of the deal while Pakistan is required to pay $200 million. In 2006, House Foreign Relations Committee members threatened, but ultimately did not, block an F-16 sale to Pakistan.