Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee spoke to Outlook about the proposed US decision to sell F-16 fighters to Pakistan.
Can we trust the US as a supplier of sensitive defence equipment?
They have offered to sell us the F-16 and F/A-18 and we have to see if it meets our needs. But everything will be evaluated by a committee of experts from the iaf before we come to any decision.
How do you view the release of F-16s to Pakistan?
We have expressed our disappointment at the proposed release of F-16s by the US to Pakistan and have pointed out that this is not a weapons system needed to fight terrorists or the Taliban. It is no secret that the US would release the F-16s at some point. We got an indication of it when secretary of state Condoleezza Rice visited New Delhi.
What security challenges does this present for India?
This is a system used in full-fledged wars and in the last 50 years Pakistan has waged wars only against India. This does have security implications for us.
How will it affect the bilateral talks with Pakistan?
The decision comes at a time when we are trying to institute more cbms between the two countries. The US decision could jeopardise the peace process.
