Pakistan Disappointed Over India’s Reaction to the F16 Deal

Pakistan defended its F-16 fighter jet deal with US citing the need of military tool for counter terrorism strikes.

F-16 fighter jet. (Photo Courtesy: iStock)

Pakistan’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed ‘surprise and disappointment’ over India’s reaction to US decision to sell F 16 fighter jets to Pakistan. In a press release on Pakistan MEA’s website, Pakistan argued that India has a larger army and arsenal stock and that India is the largest importer of defense equipment.

The press release also insisted that the F-16 deal with United states is a step towards counter terrorism.

Screen grab of press release by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

US envoy to India Richard Verma has also defended Obama administration’s decision to sell F 16 fighter jets to Pakistan. In an interview to CNN-IBN, Verma said that US has sold the jets to Pakistan to support the counter terrorists, moderate and democratic elements of Pakistan.

Our policy in Pakistan is to support moderate elements, to support a democracy which is fragile. It (policy) has a big counter terrorism and counter insurgency components to it. Our assistance to Pakistan has been both civilian as well military. Reality is that there are also dangerous groups operating within Pakistan and military tools are required. It is part and parcel of why this sale (F-16 planes to Pak) went through.

<b>Richard Verma, US Ambassador to India</b>

On Tuesday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs had expressed ‘disappointment’ over the US-Pak F-16 deal and summoned the US envoy for a response.

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India ‘Disappointed’ With US-Pak F-16 Deal; Summons US Ambassador