ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The United States will sell 8 F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, a decision at which arch-rival India has expressed its disappointment and announced to summon the US envoy in New Delhi.
The decision of selling eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan has been conveyed to the US Congress which will accord approval of the deal in 30 days.
In response to the notification by the Obama administration, India voiced its disappointment and said that it will summon the United States ambassador in New Delhi Richard Verma to convey its concerns.
“We are disappointed at the decision of the Obama Administration to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said on Twitter.
“The US ambassador will be summoned by the ministry of external affairs to convey our displeasure.”
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
Earlier in a briefing on Thursday, the US State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said that the United States security assistance to Pakistan contributes to counter-terrorism operations. He said that Pakistan is also an important partner in the region in achieving a stable and secure Afghanistan.
The spokesman said that no country in the region has been more hit by terrorism than Pakistan.
