Trump vows to expand military sales to India, hinting at future F-35 deliveries despite official caution.
In a move poised to reshape global defence dynamics, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a substantial expansion of military sales to India, including a long-term vision to supply the cutting-edge F-35 stealth fighter jets. The declaration came during a high-profile joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House.
“We’ll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We’re also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighters,” Trump told reporters, marking a significant shift in Indo-U.S. strategic ties.
F-35 Deal: A Game-Changer or Mere Proposal?
Despite Trump’s bold assertion, Indian officials struck a more cautious tone. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India follows a meticulous process for defence procurements, including soliciting and evaluating proposals. “The acquisition process for an advanced aviation platform like the F-35 has not yet commenced,” Misri stated, tempering expectations that a deal was imminent.
Lockheed Martin, the defence giant behind the F-35, echoed this stance, stating that any negotiations would be strictly on a government-to-government basis. The sale of such high-end military assets typically spans years, involving rigorous evaluations, political manoeuvring, and strategic alignment.
Beyond Fighter Jets: Strengthening Trade & Security Ties
Beyond military hardware, Trump and Modi unveiled a broader bilateral agreement, boosting India’s imports of U.S. oil and gas—a move aimed at reducing the trade imbalance between the two nations. The leaders also underscored their joint commitment to combating global terrorism, with Trump specifically referencing the need to counter “radical Islamic extremism.”
India’s Defence Shift: Moving Westward Amid Russia’s Decline
India has long relied on Russia as its primary arms supplier, with Moscow providing a significant portion of its defence fleet. However, Russia’s capacity to meet India’s growing military demands has been severely affected by its ongoing war in Ukraine. With its arms exports disrupted, New Delhi has increasingly turned to Western suppliers, signing defence deals worth over $20 billion with the U.S. since 2008.
In 2024, India finalised a major contract to acquire 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones after six years of deliberations. With the U.S. keen to deepen military cooperation, the prospect of India eventually acquiring F-35s aligns with Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Meanwhile, Russia is not standing idle. In a counteroffer, Moscow has proposed localised production of its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets in India. This signals a geopolitical tug-of-war over India’s defence partnerships, as New Delhi seeks to balance its strategic interests.
What’s Next?
While Trump’s announcement signals Washington’s intent to elevate its defence collaboration with India, the F-35 deal remains, for now, a distant possibility. The intricate approval process, high costs, and India’s historical non-alignment policy mean that even if discussions advance, an actual agreement could take years.
For now, India continues its march towards modernising its military, eyeing Western technology while maintaining a delicate diplomatic balance with its long-time Russian ally.
