US "deeply disappointed" with defence deal rejection: Roemer

New Delhi, April 28: Timothy Roemer, the US Ambassador to India, on April 28 described India's rejection of two American combat Jets from the six in contention for an order of 126 fighter planes as "deeply disappointing".

Roemer, who received the notification from the government was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, "we are respectful of the procurement process. We are, however, deeply disappointed by this news." But he insisted that his country looked forward to develop defence ties with India.

Maintaining that US was convinced that it offered the world's most advanced and reliable technology, he said, "I have been personally assured at the highest levels of the Indian government that the procurement process for this aircraft has been and will be transparent and fair."

"I am extremely confident that the Boeing F/A 18IN and Lockheed-Martin F-16IN would provide the Indian Air Force an unbeatable platform with proven technologies at a competitive price."

Meanwhile he has resigned from his post citing personal reasons for the decision.

In a statement he said, “When I accepted this job two years ago, I told President Obama that I would serve for two years but that family considerations would be front and center after that."

OneIndia News