WASHINGTON (News Desk) – The United States has categorically rejected the Indian reservations about recent announcement to sell eight F-16 jets to Pakistan, saying that improved defence capability of Pakistan is necessary for fight against terrorism.
Addressing a news briefing, the Pentagon Press Secretary Petro Cook said that United States’ relationship with Pakistan and its ties with India were completely two separate matters. We don’t think this deal should concern India in any way, he said while referring to the F-16 deal with Pakistan.
To a question he said that deal has been agreed in the light of regional situation where Pakistan is combating terrorism and its defence capability needs to be enhanced accordingly.
Earlier India summoned US ambassador in New Delhi to its foreign office to record protest over United States’ announcement to sell another eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
