Politics

India set to acquire billions in US weaponry, including F-35 jets

Friday 14 February 2025 - 08:07

US President Donald Trump has announced a significant increase in arms sales to India, including the potential delivery of F-35 stealth fighter jets. This development follows a meeting in Washington between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions covered trade, immigration, and security concerns.

During a joint press conference, Trump revealed that military sales to India would rise by several billion dollars starting this year. He also emphasized that the US was taking steps to eventually supply India with the advanced F-35 aircraft.

The two leaders discussed key security matters, including counterterrorism efforts, and agreed on a trade deal that will boost Indian imports of US oil and gas, aiming to reduce the American trade deficit.

Although Modi is only the fourth world leader to visit Trump since his inauguration, their strong rapport appears to have facilitated this major defense agreement. However, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the F-35 deal is still in its proposal stage, with no formal process initiated yet.

The White House and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, declined to comment on the matter. Foreign military sales of US weapons, such as the F-35, are typically conducted as government-to-government transactions with the Pentagon serving as an intermediary.

India has significantly increased its purchases of American defense equipment, committing over $20 billion since 2008. In 2023, the country finalized a deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones after more than six years of negotiations. Reports from the US Congressional Research Service suggest that India is projected to spend over $200 billion in the coming decade to modernize its armed forces.

Following their meeting, Trump lauded Modi as a “tough negotiator,” while Modi reciprocated by referring to Trump as a “friend” and expressing his intent to adopt a similar national development slogan inspired by Trump's “Make America Great Again.”

Beyond their personal connection, both leaders share strategic interests. The United States views India as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence, and the two nations, along with Japan and Australia, form the Quad security alliance. India and China have an unresolved 3,488-kilometer border, where tensions have escalated in recent years, leading to deadly clashes.

For India, access to US military technology is crucial for its extensive modernization plans. Traditionally reliant on Russian defense supplies, India has faced challenges due to Moscow’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and related sanctions. If finalized, the addition of F-35 jets to India's arsenal would mark a significant milestone, as only a select group of countries, including Israel, Japan, and NATO allies, are authorized to purchase them.