India Distances Itself from F Thirty-Five Fighter Purchase as US Ties Strain

New Delhi has signaled that it has no interest in acquiring the F Thirty-Five fighter jet, a development that underscores tensions with the United States over tariffs and broader strategic issues.

A senior US official said India clearly communicated its lack of interest in buying the aircraft at this time. The official warned that without a clearer stance from New Delhi on defense imports, the relationship could face continued headwinds.

The friction follows tariff measures that have complicated defense trade and added a broader political strain to the bilateral relationship. A 25 percent import duty cited as a factor in these tensions has been part of the backdrop for the discussions.

Discussions about the F Thirty-Five purchase had come up during Prime Minister Modi’s February visit, but in the months that followed India grew more uncertain about the deal.

Analysts say the position signals a turn toward greater defense autonomy for India and a desire to expand its own capabilities rather than relying on external suppliers.

The situation may affect the trajectory of defense cooperation between the two countries, even as New Delhi remains open to dialogue on security ties.