India criticises US for decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan
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."
After its F-16 offer to Pakistan, Washington tried to sweeten the pill for the Indians, who have fought three wars with their South Asian neighbour, signalling its willingness to sell the planes to India too, along with the more advanced F-18 Hornet.
It also said it would consider providing technology for New Delhi's civilian nuclear programme, a sign that Washington is willing to look beyond Pakistan to develop long-term strategic ties with an economically robust and militarily strong India.
"The reasons for which Pakistan is provided with this level of weapons are not much justified," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters. "The reason is that it will help Pakistan to fight against terrorism and the Taliban.
"But this type of equipment is not required to fight against terrorists. This equipment is required for a full-fledged war.
"Therefore, to my mind, supply of these weapons and equipment at this juncture of time will have an adverse impact on the composite dialogue which we are entering into with Pakistan and it may jeopardise the confidence-building measure."
On Sunday, Mukherjee said India would consider buying military equipment from the United States, but had no intention of joining the arms race.
India and Pakistan have been involved in peace talks for over a year aimed at ending more than half a century of hostility, mainly over the Kashmir region, which both claim.
The neighbours will start a bus service next month between their respective sectors of Kashmir, one of the most tangible signs of a fledgling peace in the region.
The Bush administration played down India's security concerns and signalled a willingness to sell it sophisticated fighters. It said it was willing to consider offering technology for civilian nuclear energy.
