Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump held a joint press conference at the White House after holding bilateral talks.
President Donald Trump disclosed on Thursday that the United States would supply F-35 stealth fighter jets to India thus bestowing upon the country membership among select nations with cutting-edge stealth aircraft.
Military product sales to India will experience substantial increases worth billions of dollars starting from this year. The United States intends to give India the F-35 stealth fighter jets according to Trump who announced this truth alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their press conference at the White House.
VIDEO | Speaking at a joint press meet along with PM Modi, US President Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) says, "Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35… pic.twitter.com/LQbVqAFBKT — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2025
The announcement happens at a time when Beijing under communist leader Xi Jinping becomes more assertive in Indo-Pacific affairs as Pakistan relies increasingly on Chinese “iron brother” support. During recent times China presented its newest stealth fighter jet while Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari travelled to Beijing to strengthen bilateral relations.
In November 2024 at the Airshow China event in Zhuhai Guangdong Province China displayed a groundbreaking scaled-down version of their J-20S stealth fighter jet for the first time at the world's level.
China unveiled its secretive J-20 stealth fighter at the air show in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province. Reuters
Strategic or trade motivated?
The motivation behind the agreement remains unknown. The transaction may either address India's expanding trade deficit with the United States given upcoming reciprocal tariffs or establish new strategic military partnerships. The discussions held between the two sides during the meeting remain undisclosed. The pace of rapid Indo-US defence relations development becomes increasingly apparent.
Russia’s offers Su-57 for India
Russian officials submitted a proposal to India on February 12, 2025, for producing the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet to supply the Indian Air Force. Two officials from Russia and India both confirmed this offer because Moscow seeks to advance its defence relations with Delhi.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is a stealth, single-seat, twin-engine multirole fifth-generation jet fighter being developed since 2002 for air superiority and attack operations.
Over the years Russia has supplied India with most of its military weapons which together form a significant part of the Indian armed forces. Moscow faces difficulties in weapon exports because of the Ukraine conflict resulting in India's evaluation of Western defence systems.
The Russian state arms exporter “Rosoboronexport” has declared that this year could begin Su-57 production in India provided New Delhi accepts the offer. The complete technology transfer would enable Russian industries to maintain and produce their items without interruption despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia.
Production of the Su-57 began in 2022 even though this aircraft serves as Russia's advanced stealth fighter program. Also, the development process and an aircraft accident in 2019 caused delays within the production timeline.
The Su-57 made its debut at the Zhuhai international air show when Russia sent it to China for the first time indicating strengthening defence relations between the countries.
Aero India 2025: A historic display
Aero India 2025 brought together the world's two leading fifth-generation stealth fighter jet aircraft when it displayed the Russian Su-57 and American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Comparison between Russian Su57 and the US F-35
History records this as the first occasion two premier fifth-generation fighter jets engaged in the worldwide aviation exhibition.
On the first day of the five-day exhibition both aircraft flew to display their combat abilities and agility for spectators present at the event. According to airshow observers the takes-off with short runways combined with agile flight capabilities of the Su-57 stole the highlight. During its flight demonstration the F-35 displayed quick acceleration together with remarkable handling abilities.
India’s growing role in global defence cooperation
The Russian defence ministry views the Su-57 as their leading stealth multi-role fighter because it provides air dominance together with offensive attack systems. The advanced avionics along with super cruise capability and stealth technology features make the aircraft appear at Aero India 2025. Aero India 2025 guests will witness high-speed flight shows together with operational demonstrations which emphasize the fighter aircraft's combat-ready features including manoeuvrability alongside stealth capabilities and firing capacity according to the ministry statement.
Lockheed Martin develops the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet as:
“The fifth-generation fighter jet that delivers stealth technology alongside top-notch situational awareness and networked combat capabilities.”
The inclusion of both aircraft in Aero India 2025 highlights India’s strategic importance as a global hub for defence and aerospace collaboration.
India’s air force modernisation
The Indian Air Force strives to enhance its fighter squadrons as China extends its air force capabilities while squadron numbers remain at 31 well behind the established target of 42. India has become a crucial force in international military planning as shown by the aggressive competition between Russia and the US to gain Indian defence contracts.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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About the author:
Manish Kumar pursued a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Amity University, Haryana. He is an enthusiastic and dedicated writer, who has worked with several ministries of the Government of India and contributed his voice to major campaigns and programmes. Being devoted to practising significant journalism, Manish does his best to become a voice of change in society. Not only does he tell but also persuade, which is indicative of his strong conviction in the perspective of media.
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