Close X
Saturday, November 2, 2024
ADVT 
India

India Cites "Grave Concern" To US Over Decision To Monitor Pak F-16 Jets

Darpan News Desk IANS, 01 Aug, 2019 07:36 PM

    "We have taken up the matter with the US Ambassador in Delhi, as well as with the US government in Washington through our Ambassador. We have expressed grave concern over US military assistance to Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing.


    India has conveyed its "grave concern" to the US over its decision to provide military assistance to Pakistan.


    External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the issue was taken up with the US Ambassador and with the Trump administration in Washington.


    "We have taken up the matter with the US Ambassador in Delhi, as well as with the US government in Washington through our Ambassador. We have expressed grave concern over US military assistance to Pakistan," Mr Kumar said during a media briefing.


    Sources said the US envoy was called to South Block and a protest was lodged with him over the US decision to help Pakistan militarily.


    Last week, the Pentagon notified the US Congress of its decision to approve military sales worth USD 125 million that would result in the monitoring of the F-16 fighter jets of Pakistan.


    The notification came days after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in White House.


    "The US side has told us that the proposed sale does not indicate any change in the US policy of maintaining a freeze in military assistance to Pakistan," Mr Kumar said.


    "US has publicly stated that the proposed sale is intended to enable the US to continue technical and logistics support services to assist in the oversight of the operations of F-16 aircraft in Pakistan's inventory," he added.


    Pakistan had used the F-16 fighter jets against India in its retaliation to Balakot strikes in February.


    The Pentagon asserted that the proposed military assistance will not alter the basic military balance in the region.


    Asked about the strain in trade ties between India and US, Mr Kumar said: "we are approaching the matter relating to trade in a very positive and constructive manner".


    A high-level trade delegation from the US visited India last month to find ways to resolve the issues.


    Trade ties between the two sides have come under strain after the US in June announced its decision to end preferential trade status for India. As a retaliatory measure, India also announced raising tariffs on 29 goods imported from the US.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    PM Modi Begins New Term With 57 Ministers: Film, Business Celebs Attend Modi's Oath-Taking Ceremony

    The who's who of business, cinema, politics and sports gathered to be witness of the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and formation of his new cabinet at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, here on Thursday.

    PM Modi Begins New Term With 57 Ministers: Film, Business Celebs Attend Modi's Oath-Taking Ceremony

    Pressure Pak To Probe Guru Nanak Palace Demolition: Amarinder Singh To PM Modi

    A centuries-old "Guru Nanak palace" was partially demolished in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said on Monday.  

    Pressure Pak To Probe Guru Nanak Palace Demolition: Amarinder Singh To PM Modi

    Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa Is New Chairman Of Chiefs Of Staff Committee

    The Chiefs of Staff Committee comprises chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The senior most member is appointed its chairperson.  

    Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa Is New Chairman Of Chiefs Of Staff Committee

    Shashi Tharoor Explains How BJP Capitalised 'Product Modi' To Win Polls

    Congress lawmaker from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor said that BJP built up the most extraordinary personality cult in modern political history.  

    Shashi Tharoor Explains How BJP Capitalised 'Product Modi' To Win Polls

    Arvind Kejriwal Praises Arun Jaitley In Tweet Wishing Him Speedy Recovery

    Arvind Kejriwal Praises Arun Jaitley In Tweet Wishing Him Speedy Recovery
    Mr Kejriwal praised Arun Jaitley for his affection and warmth while wishing him good health.

    Arvind Kejriwal Praises Arun Jaitley In Tweet Wishing Him Speedy Recovery

    Gurugram Woman Threatens To Jump Off Building After Being Fired, Gets Job Back

    The woman who became an overnight internet sensation owing to the suicide threat she made after being reportedly fired from her job, has managed to get reinstated.    

    Gurugram Woman Threatens To Jump Off Building After Being Fired, Gets Job Back