Friday, April 29 2005 11:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India has told the US that its decision on supply of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan would impact on the positive public sentiment and goodwill for America in New Delhi and have repercussions on the ongoing India Pakistan dialogue, the Rajya Sabha was informed yesterday (Apr 28, 2005).

In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said the US Administration's response has been that it values its relationship with India and is committed to taking it forward.

As far as India-Pakistan relations are concerned, while the US has an arms supply relationship with Pakistan, it was supportive of the India-Pakistan dialogue, he said.

On the UN reform, Ahamed said India and the US have agreed to discuss various issues related to it and engage closely. In this context, Special Adviser to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is likely to visit India, he said.

No decision has been taken yet on the proposed visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington on an invitation from US President George Bush extended by him during the recent visit of External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, he said.

The Government's policy towards China is characterised by continuity and consensus, Ahamed said.