The action on F-16 was not designed as a message to India as a result of its relationship with Russia, said Ely Ratner, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, while stating that they have engaged India on it both before and during the decision.
Mr. Ratner was in India two weeks ago along with Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu for the intersessional 2+2 meetings with the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs.
Editorial | Three to tangle: On U.S. refitting Pakistan F-16s