The United States has decided to sell eight F-16 fighter jets worth nearly $700 million to Pakistan, reported PTI. Despite strong opposition from lawmakers from both the Republican and Democrat parties, President Barack Obama on Saturday informed the US Congress of his administration's decision. In a statement, Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale will support Pakistan’s conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, and in turn help America achieve its own national security goals.

“It will increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block-52. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force,” the statement said.

India, however, said it was disappointed with the US decision to sell fighter jets to Pakistan. "We disagree with their [US] rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swaroop said on Twitter. He added that the ministry will summon the US ambassador to express 'displeasure' over the move.