US' F-16 sale to Pak may trigger arms race: Pranab

The Defence Minister told the Rajya Sabha that India has expressed its disappointment and concern to US on the proposed sale.

Cautioning the sale of US F-16 fighter aircraft to Islamabad could trigger an arms race between India and Pakistan, Government on Wednesday told the Rajya Sabha that both countries should avoid such a situation.

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"I am not saying it will, but it may trigger an arms race and both Pakistan and India should try to avoid it," Mukherjee said replying to supplementaries during Question Hour.

Mukherjee said the Government has been informed by the US administration about their intention to seek Congressional approval for the supply of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan, and New Delhi has expressed its disappointment and concern to Washington on the proposed sale.

The Defence Minister told BJP leader Sushma Swaraj that this proposal should not be termed as a diplomatic failure and the Government would see what the progress is in this regard.

To another query, Mukherjee made it clear that India had its own perception of security and it was not inter-dependent.

The Government was taking whatever steps necessary to protect the country's territory, the minister said, adding India was prepared for any "eventuality".