US Edition
No Formal Talks on F-35 Fighters with US: MoS Clarifies in Lok Sabha
INDIA, AUG 1 – India prioritizes strategic autonomy and joint development under its Make in India initiative while managing US trade tensions after a 25% tariff hike, officials said.
- On Aug 1, 2025, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, told the Lok Sabha that no formal discussions have taken place with the US on F-35 jets, responding to a question from Congress MP Wankhade.
- Following the India-US joint statement after Modi's February Washington visit, a policy review on F-35 jets was mentioned, but no dialogue has materialised.
- Amid escalating trade tensions, New Delhi is examining the implications of the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by the US, and Goyal said on Thursday that the government is exploring increased imports of natural gas, communication equipment, and gold from the US.
- Indian officials reported they would not pursue retaliation, maintaining a measured, non-escalatory stance through diplomatic and military channels, despite expressing shock over the US tariff hike.
- Amid broader defence reviews, India prioritises Make in India partnerships and considers options like Russian Su-57 jets and domestic industry ties by August 2025.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The Big India F-35 Fighter Deal Looks Dead
Key Points and Summary – India has confirmed there are no ongoing discussions to purchase the F-35 fighter, a sharp reversal from President Trump’s offer just months ago. This about-face comes amid a rapid downturn in U.S.-India relations, triggered by Trump’s recent threat to impose a 25% tariff on the country. The president has publicly criticized India for its high trade barriers and its continued military and energy partnership with Russia d…
No Formal Talks on F-35 Fighters with US: MoS Clarifies in Lok Sabha
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the Lok Sabha that there are no formal discussions with the US regarding F-35 fighter jets. He emphasized India's commitment to resolving issues with Pakistan bilaterally, maintaining strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
‘No formal talks on F-35 jets yet’: India clarifies after Trump tariff announcement
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was asked whether any proposal had been made by the US regarding the F-35, and about the role of American diplomats in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
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