In a major shift in defense relations, United States President Donald Trump has announced that the US will significantly increase its weapons sales to India this year, including the potential sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets. The announcement came during a meeting between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed key issues ranging from trade to security.
Trump confirmed the escalation of military sales, stating, “Starting this year, we’ll be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars.” He also revealed that the US is paving the way for India to acquire F-35 jets, a high-tech addition that would enhance India’s air force capabilities.
While the F-35 deal was a significant part of the discussion, the leaders also touched on other security matters, including the shared concern over radical Islamic terrorism. They discussed strategies to deepen cooperation in defense while addressing broader geopolitical challenges. Trump also highlighted a new trade deal in which India will import more US oil and gas, aiming to reduce the trade deficit between the two countries.
The announcement marks another milestone in the growing defense ties between the US and India. Since 2008, India has agreed to purchase more than $20 billion worth of US defense products, and last year, it finalized a deal for 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones after years of negotiations. With the US Congressional Research Service predicting that India will spend over $200 billion over the next decade to modernize its military, the need for advanced weapons like the F-35 is expected to grow.
Although Trump’s remarks were bold, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later clarified that the F-35 deal remains a proposal and that no formal process has begun yet. The White House has yet to comment further on the matter, and Lockheed Martin, the maker of the F-35, has also refrained from commenting on the potential deal.
India has historically relied on Russia as its primary arms supplier, but geopolitical shifts, including Russia’s war with Ukraine and resulting international sanctions, have led New Delhi to seek alternatives. The potential acquisition of the F-35 would mark a significant departure, as only a select few countries—such as Israel, Japan, and NATO members—currently have access to these advanced jets.
Trump and Modi have developed a strong rapport over the past few years, and the US president praised Modi as a “much tougher negotiator” than himself. Modi reciprocated the praise, calling Trump a “friend” and expressing plans to adopt a version of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan in India.
The growing defense cooperation between the US and India has strategic significance for both nations. As India works to modernize its military, the US stands to benefit from increased sales, while India gains access to some of the world’s most advanced defense technologies.
