India Clarifies Stance on US F-35 Offer

India has clarified that there were no formal negotiations with the United States over the purchase of F-35 fighter jets, despite informal offers made by former President Donald Trump during a February meeting with Prime Minister Modi. Instead, India is focusing on joint design and domestic manufacturing of defense equipment, aligning with its 'Make in India' initiative. This stance follows the imposition of a 25% US tariff on Indian exports and additional penalties related to India's defense and energy ties with Russia. To address trade imbalances, India may increase imports of US goods such as natural gas, communication equipment, and gold, but has no plans for immediate defense acquisitions. Indian officials have reiterated a commitment to strategic autonomy and have ruled out third-party mediation in regional disputes, insisting on bilateral resolution with Pakistan. While disappointed by US tariffs, India reserves the option of WTO recourse and continues to keep trade discussions with the US ongoing.