US To Sell F-35 Stealth Fighter Jets To India: Donald Trump Announces

In a major announcement, former US President Donald Trump on Thursday stated that the United States will significantly increase military sales to India, amounting to billions of dollars. Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their bilateral discussions, Trump also revealed that steps are being taken to provide India with F-35 stealth fighter jets.

"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 F35, Stealth fighters," ANI quoted Trump as stating in a joint press conference.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet, recently participated in Aero India, Asia's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The aircraft is known for its advanced stealth technology, superior situational awareness, and networked combat capabilities.

Strategic Talks and Defense Cooperation

On the other hand, US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Their talks focused on strategic technologies, defense industrial collaboration, civil nuclear energy-particularly small modular reactors-and counterterrorism efforts. They also addressed key regional and global issues.
Trump on US-India Relations and Khalistani Separatists

Addressing concerns about anti-India elements in the US, including Khalistani separatists, Trump criticized the Biden administration's handling of India-US relations.

He said, "I don't think India had a good relationship with the Biden administration...A lot of things happened that weren't very appropriate between India and the Biden Administration. We are giving a very violent man (Tahawwur Rana) back to India immediately. There are more to follow because we have quite a few requests. So, we work with India on crime and we want to make it good for India..."

PM Modi Expresses Gratitude

Prime Minister Modi thanked Trump for his hospitality and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
"President Trump has cherished and energized the India-US relationship with his leadership. During his first term, we worked together with enthusiasm, and today, I witnessed the same energy and dedication. In our discussion, we reflected on past achievements and deep mutual trust while setting new goals for the future. Together, India and the US can shape a better world," Modi remarked.