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ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Sunday expressed 'surprise' at the Indian government's disappointment over the United States' decision to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
A 'disappointed' India on Saturday summoned the US envoy in New Delhi, Richard Verma, to 'convey its displeasure' regarding the Obama administration's decision to notify the sale of the aircraft to Pakistan.
Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met the US ambassador at the ministry to convey India's disapproval of the deal to Washington, in a meeting which lasted 45 minutes.
Read: 'Disappointed' India summons US ambassador over sale of F-16s to Pakistan
"Their army and arsenal stock is much larger and they are the largest importer of defence equipment," Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement.
"With regards to the F-16 sale, Pakistan and the United States are closely cooperating in countering terrorism efforts," he said, adding that the US State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner had earlier announced that the purpose of the sale was the enhance Pakistan's precision strike capability.
It is in US security interests to support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, Toner had said.
Know more: US committed to boosting Pakistan’s precision strike capability, Congress told
The $699 million deal consists of eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, along with training, radar and other equipment.
The F-16 aircraft will allow the Pakistan Air Force to operate in all kinds of weather, at night, as well as "enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations," the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which coordinates such foreign arms sales, said in a statement.
The proposed deal will now go through a 30-day notification period after which it will be finalised.
The new aircraft will add to Pakistan’s sizable force of fighter jets which includes more than 70 F-16s and dozens of French and Chinese attack aircraft.
Earlier in January, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during a National Assembly briefing told lawmakers that an Indian lobby, as well as Pakistan's former ambassador to the US are "working against us" and had approached the US House of Representatives to lobby against the sale of the fighter jets, causing a delay.
Explore: PPP's ex-envoy to US, Indian lobbies working against F-16 deal: defence minister
Read more
'Disappointed' India summons US ambassador over sale of F-16s to Pakistan
PPP's ex-envoy to US, Indian lobbies working against F-16 deal: defence minister
US committed to boosting Pakistan’s precision strike capability, Congress told
Analysis: Quest for F-16 jets takes PAF to Mideast
Pakistan's tool of war: PAF's rolling thunder
F-16 sale delayed in US Congress
On DawnNews
Comments (87) Closed
Feb 14, 2016 02:08pm
Pakistan should not care what the neighbor thinks. We should mind our own business if they don't
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Feb 14, 2016 02:14pm
I am neither "disappointed" nor"surprised" at both India's and Pakistan's responses. :p
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Feb 14, 2016 02:15pm
India and Pakistan need world,s best education not weapons!
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Feb 14, 2016 02:20pm
indians always try to back stab pak but pak leadership bows to them. india is against CPEC, defence procurements, cricket series between the two countries and our leaders have taken sleeping pills.
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Feb 14, 2016 02:24pm
Don't worry the deal will not come through. Just wait and watch
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Feb 14, 2016 02:31pm
Well you shouldn't be surprised, that's India after all. You should've been anticipatory of such behavior.
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Feb 14, 2016 02:31pm
Disappointed on this sale? What about your own Rafale jets deal with France worth $9? and S-400 air defense deal with Russia worth $4b ? Shame.
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Feb 14, 2016 02:34pm
Pakistan should show the real face of India to the world !
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Feb 14, 2016 02:39pm
@SHAH: Thanks for your advice but security comes first.
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Feb 14, 2016 02:43pm
@Valar Morgulis: Yes you are right.
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Feb 14, 2016 02:45pm
Pakistan should not be surprised at all. Why surprised? This was the predictable Indian response.
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Feb 14, 2016 02:46pm
@Adeel what's surprising about pakistan reaction. It's logical from every angle
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Feb 14, 2016 02:46pm
Those F-16 going to be very costly for Pakistan and America.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:04pm
America must give F-16 to Pakistan because we need more and more arsenal and explosives to counter terrorism. India should not be concerned about that
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Feb 14, 2016 03:10pm
What Surprise? India is constantly working Against Pakistan.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:15pm
Only India is the single country in the world that is hate pakcentric. India needs to get over this maturity.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:18pm
The FO need not justify, why it is buying the F-16 s and how it's capabilities are needed for Zarb e Azb operations. FO should just so FO, that's all, in diplomatic terms ofcourse.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:24pm
Both countries have gone crazy in buying expensive weapons from developed countries to show their strength while their citizens are dying of hunger and poverty - when will both countries come to their senses and avoid falling into the trap of these super powers who create tensions in both countries and then sell their ammunitions to gain their country's wealth
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Feb 14, 2016 03:27pm
@Satt more costly than the over 70 F16's we already have?
These 8 planes are immaterial in the big picture, what is material is the burgeoning JF17 Thunder Program. Now that is going to cost a lot of people sleepless nights.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:29pm
I am surprised that FO is surprised. Dont they know its India we are talking about. 10 times bigger country than Pakistan but 100 times more immature than Pakistan.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:33pm
@Satt There is no point in threatening Pakistan. We are not dependant on you for anything but be carefull about threatening the US. If they retaliate economically even mildly, half of the call centers in India will be closed down in a week.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:36pm
The relations between Pakistan and USA are difficult for India to understand.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:42pm
I thought India is trying to be a "Big Brother" of this region but somehow behaving like a stubborn, whining kiddo.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:44pm
Indians should be asking their government by not supporting the sale of these f-16s to Pakistan . They the Indian government seems to be giving support to the terrorist networks the Pakistan solders are giving their lives to defeat. "Please Indian government wake up and smell the coffee".
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Feb 14, 2016 03:47pm
@Satt "Those F-16 going to be very costly for Pakistan and America." Don't worry mate. They will just be joining the other 80 F-16s in PAF inventory. I'm sure we can accommodate 8 more planes.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:49pm
Pakistan should not surprise and such people, politicians and officials who are complacent with playing the violin of friendship with India, must come out of the "Fools Paradise". It is unfortunate to have such a statement from the foreign office, who is pretending to overlook the reality.
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Feb 14, 2016 03:49pm
Well their fear is genuine, they see another 8 IAF major airbases being hit and shut by these 8 jets. Well too bad these are only 8 and not 80, or the'd be moving their assets from central India to eastern India and rename their Cold Start Doctrine to Cold Feet.
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Feb 14, 2016 04:21pm
No more surprised, it was expected.
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Feb 14, 2016 04:30pm
Indians has always tried to hurt Pakistan. This is no different.
I hope these are the last F-16s Pakistan will ever buy. The world has moved on 5th generation fighters and I hope Pakistan does so too.
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Feb 14, 2016 05:28pm
Not surprised about the Indian response. They have to have reality check that Pakistan is a sovereign nation which can make decisions in its own best interests without needing to pay any interest on 'other' nations concerns.
By the way, was the clause of limiting their use to only specific circumstances removed? Surely it can be used by us against any danger to our nations security, wherever and whoever that may be.
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Feb 14, 2016 05:51pm
Sure we all understand that war against terror can never succeed without F16 fighters.
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Feb 14, 2016 06:01pm
india was disappointed and now pakistan is surprised,.i think both the countries need to grow up and stop making such stupid comments.
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Feb 14, 2016 06:47pm
Problem with Modi Sb led India is that it has started thinking itself ten feet tall instead of ten inches
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Feb 14, 2016 06:57pm
Pakistan JF-17 is a superior aircraft almost equal ro F-16. Pakistan does not need F-16 to chase out the terrorist from their foxholes. Common guys! India concerns are valid as Indian war planner knows very well that F-16 will be used by Pakistan against India during the conflict over Kashmir.
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Feb 14, 2016 07:07pm
India is interested in hegemony over South Asia. That said, the F16 is primarily an interceptor and only an auxiliary in anti-terrorism/anti-insurgency operations. Helicopters are the primary air platform in such operations. This is more to do with Pakistan wishing to enhance its conventional air strength and the US military-industrial complex looking to close a sale.
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Feb 14, 2016 07:25pm
PAF playing key role in fight against terrorist. So many time we read PAF strike kill number of terrorist in Northern part of the country. Yes F16s are also using for these strikes. All forces are capable to response against ANY threat to the country. Don't threaten us.
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Feb 14, 2016 07:25pm
This is really surprising and shocking over India's reaction. Why India WHY?
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Feb 14, 2016 07:37pm
@Sasa Why should we not use anything we have in a conflict….why should there be a conflict if India follows through on its promises regarding Kashmir to the entre world.
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Feb 14, 2016 07:50pm
American know that Pakistan cannot swim as they want, with its limbs tied.
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Feb 14, 2016 08:27pm
More 'disappointment' will come followed by more 'surprised'.
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Feb 14, 2016 08:32pm
India is buying weapons to use against us , why don't we say it to their face politically and press. We need security too against Indian designs.
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Feb 14, 2016 08:45pm
@Proud Man
Sweet wishes
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Feb 14, 2016 09:13pm
I am surprised about this statement of Pakistan foreign office. India has been our enemy from the beginning and will remain our enemy for ever. So no surprise about anything coming from India. Pakistan is should never forget the role Indians played in creation of Bangladesh and their continued conspiricies against Pakistan. Pakistan should never expect anything good from India.
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Feb 14, 2016 09:23pm
@RAM BABU DELHI agreed
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Feb 14, 2016 09:26pm
Well I am an indian, and all I could say i say is that the media on both sides goes just over the board... It's the media who speaks in articles.... not the people of both countries. Normal man can just present his views on it.. We need a positive media first of all..as a normal Indian I am not afraid of getting attacked by Pakistan. . Indian media is crying about Pakistan and same is on the Pakistan side.. We need neutrality!!
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Feb 14, 2016 09:44pm
India should open its eyes and realize what is happening around India and its future as a country, that USA always support strong and powerful nations. Knowing China has become a super power of the region and soon will be taking over USA, Russia is willing to supply military equipment to Pakistan. due to the Chines growing influence. Pakistan is China life line to warm water for its economy. That leaves India alone with bad relations with its neighbor’s s .sooner or later the domino effect will break India in several small countries. By occupying wrongly small real state of Kashmir. India jeopardising the existence of the whole country.
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Feb 14, 2016 09:54pm
I am not 'surprised' at all by India's actions.
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Feb 14, 2016 09:55pm
Why the surprise? We're talking about a country that is kept together purely by hatred of Pakistan, a country that still feels the burn from Azadi almost 70 years ago. Every day of our existence is an insult to them, so little wonder their anger every time we strengthen our defences.
Hasan
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Feb 14, 2016 09:56pm
Pakistan FO should summon the Indian ambassador for summoning the American ambassador.
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Feb 14, 2016 09:56pm
Surprised? Never expect good from cowardly neighbor.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:00pm
India must have to realise the fact, that Pakistan is participating in war against terror since 9/11 at the cost of precious soldiers' lives including senior officers and even army Generals' martyrdom.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:03pm
India should have nothing to say to the United States. India has more benefits from US trade and university education than Pakistan. If the leadership want to be sniveling, snotnosed little crybabies that does not make India look good.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:04pm
@fahd This is the reason for getting our own homeland.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:07pm
@Proud Man ... It's a done deal.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:21pm
let's not waste time on indias hypocrite stance . Pakistan should continue to get military strength as much as possible.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:28pm
@Gerry D .... Western countries are not creating tensions between Pakistan and India. Religious intolerance created Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Intolerance, bigotry and revenge continue to create the tensions between India and Pakistan.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:32pm
@Kamal Pasha .... The relations between the US and Pakistan are difficult for anyone to understand.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:36pm
@mustafa Buddy. I said I was not surprised.
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Feb 14, 2016 10:46pm
Indians buy billion of dollars worth of military hardware from across the globe. It is set to buy weapons from Russia worth more than $7 billion, an amount equivalent to Pakistan’s Defence Budget. India is also buying 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France worth $9 billion.
Pakistan never protested. Why the Indian leadership is getting jittery when their Defence budget is record high, amounting to $40bn.
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Feb 14, 2016 11:07pm
If US does not supply these (8) advanced F16 to Pakistan, there may be a risk that Pakistan may stride significantly toward Russia. This scenario will be against the interest of US. India could not stop US to save guard her interests. Indian has showed immaturity and expose themselves on this issue.
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Feb 14, 2016 11:21pm
Pakistan should summon indian high commissioner and issue an official protest on interfering in our internal matters.
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Feb 14, 2016 11:34pm
Arm race,, exactly what the sellers want. They are making fool of us
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Feb 14, 2016 11:49pm
Our government and our foreign ministry don't seem to have enough work. Making a big deal about 8 planes, when we ourselves ordered 126 from France.
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Feb 15, 2016 12:14am
It is time for India and pakistan to look inwards and develop their countries. There is a saying that a life is born when an egg is broken by inside force but same is gone when it is broken by an outside force :).
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Feb 15, 2016 12:19am
No we're not disappointed, I mean it's just F-16s man :D
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Feb 15, 2016 12:39am
Why even acknowledge? Who cares what India said, they have nothing to do with the sale.
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Feb 15, 2016 12:41am
Is this the extent of Pakistan's reaction? Pakistan's present government and for that matter all the past governments except Z A Bhutto, act like lion's at home but less than a fox outside the country. One reason for Pakistan to be where it is today.
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Feb 15, 2016 12:45am
@Proud Man the sale has already been approved genius
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Feb 15, 2016 01:16am
@Khwarezmi Buy with what? We cannot afford this war hysteria and arms race.After all, did't we get nuclear weapons as a war deterrent?
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Feb 15, 2016 04:06am
I wonder what will be the reaction of Thar people when they are told that we won't be able to give water, health, education facility to your children but instead give your extra security from India.
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Feb 15, 2016 07:28am
The usual childish and petulant reaction we have come to know and expect!!
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Feb 15, 2016 07:29am
@SHAH
Agree India and Pakistan need schools,jobs housing and access to health care.
Wasting money on weapons.
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Feb 15, 2016 07:47am
Old game. USA will something to Pakistan hoping for a response order from India and vice versa. Pakistan will lose money on decades old tech that USA is actually trying to dump in 3rd world to replace them with G5 fighters.
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Feb 15, 2016 08:43am
After the way Indians threatened Srilanka not to buy JF-17 from Pakistan, personally I am not surprised at India's reaction at the ongoing F-16 deal.
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Feb 15, 2016 09:37am
We should now think and stop begging India to make peace with us. I see Pakistan bowing to their feet more than India wants to peace with us. Their US lobby goes around cleaning US congressman toilets just to stop any support for Pakistan from the US. They are growing in population and exporting their population to every part of the world. Therefore, we should stop any peace process until they show any interest in doing so. Let them come on the table for once.
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Feb 15, 2016 09:47am
Pakistan already has 10s of F-16 so why be so unhappy about another 8 only....The reason is india is yet to accept Pakistan as a sovereign nation and has been trying to wipe it off the map....very hateful people....
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Feb 15, 2016 11:14am
$690m worth of planes are military aid to Pakistan from USA in exchange of Pakistan commitment to work against terrorist.
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Feb 15, 2016 11:15am
@Vivek It would have been just 8 airplanes in case of any other air force. But its PAF, which is giving such scare to indian govt, coz they know the deadly combination of expertise of our pilots anf F-16s.
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Feb 15, 2016 11:43am
F16 are fourth generation jets. India has over 400 such aircrafts which are equal or even better than our F16s. India should have some confidence in their fighter pilots that with 400+ aircrafts they will be able to stand against these 8 F16s.
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Feb 15, 2016 12:02pm
@fair The fear in India is always that of misuse. Had it been responsible use, I don't think India would have had any issues.
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Feb 15, 2016 01:36pm
I am glad they are not 'shocked'.
The right expression from the FO should have been 'mildly amused'
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Feb 15, 2016 02:08pm
And now India will be surprised why Pakistan govt surprised and then Pakistan will. Very productive way of spending time.
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Feb 15, 2016 02:13pm
Spent money on such business which may never pay back.
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Feb 15, 2016 02:49pm
India's agitation over sale of F-16s to Pakistan is indication of their apprehension to continue supporting its proxies and militants in Pakistan. As F-16s given to Pakistan will contribute to counter terror operations being carried out against Indian sponsored terrorists operating in Pakistan.
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Feb 16, 2016 08:59am
@Sarah True. Indian "disappointment" clearly shows what India really intends for Pakistan.
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Feb 16, 2016 09:01am
@Satt Why is that bothering you? Are you Indians paying for it?
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Feb 17, 2016 01:56am
Nice game played by USA , they gave f 16 to pakistan and that is better for pak. to counter terrorists and it power there airforce...hence india need more power to defence against china and pak....and india will definitely try to buy f18 or f22 from USA...because india wont buy from russia india have su 30 russia Aircraft which is much similar to su 35.... india definitely buy aircrafe from USA and USA get more money...... aik tirse do nishane...
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