India disappointed at US decision to supply F-16 to Pak

New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) India today expressed disappointment at the US decision to supply F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan, saying this step was not conducive to improving ties between New Delhi and Islamabad.

A spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said the subject had been discussed with the US and even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had expressed disappointment to US President George Bush at the US approach.

''This has been the subject of discussions with the US government in the past. In fact, the Prime Minister himself has expressed disappointment at the US approach to President Bush. We can reiterate our position this step is not conducive to improving ties between India and Pakistan,'' the spokesman said in response to a question.

The US has decided to supply 18 new and 26 used F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan.

UNI RB MSJ GC1913