Bush to PM: Both India and Pak will get F-16s

Bush to PM: Both India and Pak will get F-16s

The United States on Friday decided to sell F-16s fighter planes to Pakistan. But it more than compensated India by offering multi-role combat aircraft (latest versions of F16s and F-18s), which is generations ahead.

Earlier, US President George W Bush informed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of US decision to sell F-16s to Pakistan. Manmohan Singh, however, had conveyed India's disappointment on sale of F-16s to Pakistan.

In a coordinated move, Bush called Manmohan Singh on Friday evening (7.15-7.25 pm), briefing him on the US decision. Almost simultaneously, said US sources, secretary of state Condoleezza Rice informed the US Congress leadership of Bush's decision to offer India the “licence” to produce version of fighters more sophisticated than the F-16s headed for Pakistan, and sell nuclear technology to India.