F-16 sale to Pakistan ''part of legacy announcement'': US envoy

Mumbai, February 14

Sale of F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan was part of a legacy announcement but his country expected Islamabad to do "more" on eliminating terror safe havens on its soil, US envoy to India said on Sunday.

"Over the years, our equipment (sale) to Pakistan have been a mix of civilian and military equipment. (The latest decision on F-16 aircraft) is part of a legacy announcement," US ambassador to India Richard Verma said during interaction at the CNN Asia Business Forum organised as part of ongoing 'Make in India' week here.

"The reality is that there are dangerous groups operating within Pakistan," Verma said.

Islamabad needs to act against terror groups operating on its soil, the US envoy maintained.

"More action needs to be taken by Pakistan on terror groups. Safe havens need to be eliminated."

Verma's comments came a day after the Obama administration notified the US Congress of its decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan worth nearly USD 700 million.

Verma said praised Modi government’s work and the "substantial progress" made in India in the last two years.

Among the challenges before India were those of rapid urbanisation and tackling climate change, he said.

George Yeo of Kerry Logistics Networks, who also spoke at the interaction, said the India-China conflict would not get out of control.

"There may be scars of the 1962 war (with China) on Indian psyche but in China it is almost forgotten," Yeo said. — PTI