US approves $450 million package for Pakistan to upgrade F-16 jet fleet, India lodges strong protest

NEW DELHI: India has strongly protested the US administration's approval of USD 450 million (Rs 3600 crore) package to upgrade Pakistan's 60 F-16 fighter jet fleet. India expressed protest because increasing the striking power of the jets could threaten the national security. US says that the package does not include modern weapons or ammunition.

India raised strong objection to US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu. The package was announced as US delegation including Lu had reached India for intersessional 2+2 meetings. India vehemently protested for not informing them despite US being the country's main defense partner.

The United States' justification is that the package is to empower Pakistan, a partner in the fight against terrorism. A US spokesperson said that the package is part of bilateral relations and expects Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups.