US upset as defence ministry rejects its jets

The American embassy in New Delhi was informed on Wednesday that two aircraft offered by the US government through the Foreign Military Sales process were not selected for procurement by the defence ministry, an embassy release stated.

Ambassador Roemer noted, "We are reviewing the documents received from the government of India and are respectful of the procurement process."

"We are, however, deeply disappointed by this news. We look forward to continuing to grow and develop our defence partnership with India and remain convinced that the United States offers our defence partners around the globe the world's most advanced and reliable technology," Roemer added.

"I have been personally assured at the highest levels of the Indian government that the procurement process for this aircraft has been and will be transparent and fair. I am extremely confident that the Boeing F/A 18IN and Lockheed-Martin F-16IN would provide the Indian Air Force an unbeatable platform with proven technologies at a competitive price," he also said.