NEW DELHI, Dec 17: The proposed sale of F-16 warplanes by the United States to Pakistan has prompted India to sack its high-profile US lobbying firm, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Field, for failing to lobby effectively against the deal, the Times of India said on Friday.

The paper said it was the second time in two years that India sacked its Washington lobbyists. In 2003, India moved its account from Verner, Liip fert to Akin Gump to tap the Republicans in the administration and on Capitol Hill.

Although the Republicans are back, Akin Gump has lost India's account. "The reason being trotted out is that a new election calls for a fresh start," said the paper. The newspaper said lobbying firms in the US are upset with India.

"They say that not only is the Indian government a difficult customer, but New Delhi pays a pittance to advance its interests in Washington," it said. While Akin Gump got about $50,000 a month from India, Pakistan is said to spend over $200,000. And China spends close to $4 million on top-notch lobbyists like Hill & Knowlton and Jones, Day Reavis and Pogue, among others.

Old timers at the India foreign ministry say it is psychologically difficult for New Delhi to accept that lobbying is not a dirty game, but a legitimate practice in Washington, the Times said.