India Cancels Purchase of American F-35 Fighters
According to the english section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, Bloomberg quoted informed sources revealing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has communicated to the U.S. that it no longer wishes to buy F-35 fighters.
Bloomberg notes that Modi’s governance prioritizes developing its domestic military industry over signing contracts for foreign-made fighters. This stance comes despite Washington’s ongoing efforts to expand arms exports to New Delhi.
This declaration follows U.S.President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a 25 percent tariff on imports from India, effective august 1 (today, Friday).
During Modi’s visit to the White House in February, Trump had proposed selling these fighter jets to India.Though, Indian officials have stated their preference lies more with joint design and production of defense equipment within India.
Bloomberg adds that Russia has put forward an offer more aligned with India’s defense priorities. In July, Moscow proposed a package including fifth-generation Su-57 fighters and multi-role Su-35M aircraft.
