In a significant clarification on India’s strategic military procurement plans, the Government of India informed Parliament that no formal discussions have been held with the United States regarding the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets. The statement was made by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Lok Sabha, in response to a starred question related to India’s defence ties with the U.S. and preparedness against external threats, particularly from Pakistan.

The clarification holds importance amid media speculation and expert commentary around India possibly joining the elite group of F-35 operators, which currently includes close U.S. allies such as the UK, Israel, Japan, and others.

India rules out F-35 talks – for now

During the parliamentary session, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh responded categorically that "no formal discussions have taken place regarding the procurement of F-35 aircraft from the United States." The response underlines India’s ongoing emphasis on strategic autonomy and prioritisation of platforms that align with its existing military ecosystem.

This is not the first time speculation about India’s interest in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet has surfaced. In past years, the topic has drawn attention in both defence and diplomatic circles due to the aircraft's advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and global interoperability.

However, the government has now made it clear that no concrete progress has been made or formalised on this front, despite broader India-U.S. defence cooperation gaining significant momentum in recent years.

Strategic clarity amid geopolitical tensions

The clarification comes at a time when India is actively strengthening its military capabilities in the face of regional threats from China and Pakistan. The Ministry’s statement also addressed a related question on how India plans to respond to any potential aggressive action from Pakistan.

Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that during U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to India on May 9, India clearly conveyed its readiness to respond appropriately in the event of a major attack by Pakistan. The statement highlights India’s diplomatic messaging at the highest levels of U.S. leadership.

"It was conveyed to Vice President J.D. Vance that any significant aggression or attack launched by Pakistan would be responded to appropriately by India," Singh stated.

This official articulation indicates that India has conveyed its deterrence posture in private high-level meetings, thereby reinforcing its commitment to national security.

U.S.-India defence ties: context matters

India and the United States have been steadily deepening their defence ties, especially through frameworks such as:

• COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement)

• LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement)

• BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement)

• Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)

Under these, India has acquired advanced platforms like P-8I surveillance aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, and C-130J Super Hercules.

The recent approval of the GE-F414 jet engine co-production deal under the iCET framework further indicates growing collaboration on cutting-edge military technology. However, the F-35 remains in a different league, representing the most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter with export highly restricted to key allies.

While there is growing alignment between New Delhi and Washington, India has thus far prioritised the development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter, the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), and continued procurement from existing partners like France and Russia.

India's approach to fighter aircraft acquisition

India currently operates a mix of fighter aircraft including:

• Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and MiG-21 (being phased out)

• French-made Dassault Rafale

• Indian-made Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

India’s future fighter aircraft roadmap includes:

• Rafale-M for Navy (under evaluation for INS Vikrant)

• AMCA fifth-generation stealth aircraft (under development)

• MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender – a mega plan to acquire 114 fighter jets from global vendors

While F-35 features regularly in defence media as a wildcard entrant in MRFA, India has not officially listed it as a participant. The aircraft’s high cost, long delivery timelines, and integration challenges with India’s current systems are considered major deterrents.

Defence analysts point out that buying the F-35 would require sweeping changes in India's doctrinal and logistical ecosystem, as well as alignment with U.S. strategic expectations, which may not always suit India’s independent foreign policy stance.

Pakistan threat remains under lens

The Minister's comments about responding to any "major attack" from Pakistan come amid heightened vigilance along India’s western borders. While cross-border terrorism remains a concern, Pakistan’s conventional military threat has receded somewhat due to economic challenges and internal political instability.

Still, India has consistently reiterated its policy of "zero tolerance" to terrorism and has shown willingness in recent years to conduct cross-border retaliatory strikes, as seen after the 2016 Uri and 2019 Pulwama attacks.

India’s message to the U.S. VP reinforces its firm policy of proactive defence and prevention through deterrence—an approach widely supported across the political spectrum in India.

Parliamentary accountability on defence matters

The questions posed in Lok Sabha and the government’s detailed responses reflect the growing parliamentary interest in India's strategic military alignments and defence preparedness. It also suggests that Parliament continues to demand transparency from the executive branch on sensitive issues, including foreign arms purchases and national security planning.

This is consistent with recent sessions where MPs have raised queries about India's preparedness in high-altitude warfare, technology transfer in defence deals, border infrastructure, and maritime security.

Conclusion

With the Government of India confirming that no formal discussions on F-35 jets have been held with the U.S., speculation around such a major acquisition can now be put to rest—at least for the foreseeable future. At the same time, the Ministry’s disclosure about conversations with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance demonstrates India’s firm resolve to respond to any external aggression decisively.

As India continues to build its indigenous defence manufacturing base, modernise its military, and deepen ties with like-minded partners, its strategic choices are likely to be guided by a mix of autonomy, capability enhancement, and geopolitical realism.

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