Washington Times
Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Embassy Row: India wants weapons

James Morrison

    India is turning to the United States to fill a major order for fighter planes, and the Bush administration is "considering" the request, U.S. Ambassador David Mulford told reporters covering the Indian air show.

    "We are interested in becoming a major player in India," he said at a press conference in Bangalore, where the air show will open today.

    S.K. Tyagi, chief of the Indian air force, told reporters in New Delhi this week that the government wants to buy 125 fighters and has sought information from Lockheed Martin, which makes F-16s. He said India also is looking at the Swedish Gripen, French Mirage and Russian MiG-29 fighters.

    Mr. Mulford said the United States has received a "request for information" from India.

    "We are considering that matter at the moment. No decision has been made," he said.

    Pakistan, India's nuclear rival in South Asia, also is seeking U.S. F-16s.