India and U.S. Strengthen Defense Ties with F-35 Stealth Fighter Initiative
The U.S. and India plan to deepen their defense ties by moving forward with F-35 stealth fighter discussions as part of efforts to counter China's regional influence and boost bilateral trade.
Published on April 11, 2025
In a significant development for regional security, the United States and India have announced plans to enhance their defense partnership by paving the way for India to acquire F-35 stealth fighters. This move, revealed in early 2025, is part of a broader effort to counter China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific region while also aiming to boost bilateral trade, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting an ambitious target of increasing trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Supplemental reports indicate that while there is guarded optimism about the potential impact on India's air superiority, discussions remain ongoing. Some sources have noted that formal offers may still be under review and that debates continue within Indian defense circles regarding cost and strategic alignment. These developments underscore the complex, evolving nature of defense agreements in the current geopolitical climate, with announcements coming as early as February and March 2025.