"The move may upset the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan and we see it as unnecessary," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here.

"The reasons and arguments for this step are not valid as one doesn't need F-16s and such lethal weapons to fight terrorism. These are for a full-fledged war," he said.

"Given Pakistan's track record, we fear such weapons would be directed towards India," the minister added.

The US announced last week that it would go ahead with its proposal to sell the sophisticated F-16 planes to Pakistan which it hails as an ally in its war against terror. A similar offer was also made to India.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two of them over the disputed northern territory of Kashmir. The two countries are currently engaged in peace talks over a range of bilateral issues including Kashmir.

Mukherjee said India's "reservations" on the deal had been communicated to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who visited New Delhi last week.

On the offer of F-16s to India, Mukherjee said such an offer had never been made by the US to India.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it was "premature" to comment on the US offer.

"The US has decided to give F-16s to Pakistan. As far as India is concerned, there is an offer. But we do not know the terms and conditions. It is premature for me to say (anything). We will discuss with them," Singh said on the sidelines of an awards function, according to the Press Trust of India.

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