India Declines U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet Offer Amid Trade Tensions
India has communicated to the United States its disinterest in acquiring F-35 stealth fighter jets, despite considering the increase of imports of select non-defence goods to mitigate trade tensions. This decision comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a 25 percent tariff on imports from India.
As reported by Bloomberg, citing insiders, India is not planning any immediate countermeasures. Instead, the country aims to foster a conducive atmosphere for trade discussions. As part of this strategy, India may increase imports of U.S. natural gas, communication devices, and gold. However, there are no plans to purchase new defence equipment from the U.S.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House earlier this year, President Trump had proposed selling the fifth-generation F-35 jets to India. Indian officials reportedly declined, favoring joint defence system development and domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
India's decision to forego the F-35 purchase marks a significant stance amid U.S. expectations of heightened defence cooperation with India. Trump has also hinted at potential further sanctions due to India's defence and energy ties with Russia. Despite these pressures, the Modi administration is unlikely to pursue additional U.S. defence acquisitions beyond existing contracts, many of which are already facing lengthy delivery delays.
India is anticipated to proceed with acquiring approximately 50 to 60 Russian Su-57 fighter jets to satisfy the Indian Air Force's demand for fifth-generation combat aircraft. The IAF plans to induct three squadrons of these jets to enhance its air superiority, particularly in response to the growing aerial capabilities of China and Pakistan.
Although India is working on its own fifth-generation fighter jet through the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, this indigenous aircraft is not expected to be operational until 2035. Until then, India will depend on foreign acquisitions to fill the gap.
With the F-35 out of consideration, and the Su-57 as the only feasible alternative currently available on the global stage, India's decision suggests a strategic shift towards Moscow. This move also underscores New Delhi's focus on defence self-reliance and multilateral partnerships rather than reliance on a single global power.
