India is making hue and cry over F-16 jets deal with US: Sartaj Aziz

Islamabad, Feb 16: Reacting on India's disappointment over US's decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz expressed regret on it.

The Obama administration last week notified the US Congress of its decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan worth nearly USD 700 million, notwithstanding American lawmakers' demand for stopping the proposed sale.

"Why India is making hue and cry over F-16 jets deal when it is having big arms deals with the United States, Russia, and other countries," Sartaj Aziz was quoted as saying.

"Jets provided by US will be used to combat terrorism in the country," added he.

He reiterated the US' stance that the jets are being provided to Pakistan to combat terrorism.

"We are disappointed at the decision of the Obama Administration to notify the sale of F-16 aircrafts to Pakistan," said a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

"We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself," added he.

The government summoned US ambassador Richard Verma to convey India's displeasure over the matter.

OneIndia News