India criticises US for decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan

INDIA criticised the American government's decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan yesterday, saying the move could affect the dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Washington said on Friday it was lifting a ban on sales of F-16 fighters to Pakistan imposed in 1990 as a sanction over its nuclear weapons programme to demonstrate support for a country that has become a major ally in the war on terrorism.

India has expressed "great disappointment," saying it "could have negative consequences for India's security environment."