India says no formal talks with US on F-35 purchase amid tariff tensions
New Delhi denies negotiations after Washington imposes 25% tariff and extra penalties starting Aug. 1
ANKARA
India has not held any formal discussions with the US on purchasing F-35 fighter jets, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday, amid newly imposed US tariffs on Indian exports.
The statement followed US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff, plus additional penalties, on imports from India beginning Aug. 1.
Responding to questions in parliament, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump had previously agreed to review US policies on advanced defense platforms, no negotiations have taken place regarding the F-35.
“The two sides had mentioned that the US will undertake a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters (such as the F-35) and undersea systems to India. However, no formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue,” the ministry said.
The clarification came after media reports suggested India had ruled out any new defense purchases from the US and was not actively considering the American fifth-generation stealth aircraft.
According to Bloomberg, India is instead considering boosting imports of US natural gas, communications equipment, and gold, citing unnamed Indian officials.
Modi was among the first world leaders to meet Trump after his return to the White House earlier this year. Trump had reportedly offered to sell F-35s to New Delhi during their meeting.
However, the Modi administration is reportedly more focused on joint design and domestic manufacturing of defense systems, rather than expensive off-the-shelf acquisitions.
Trump’s announcement cited India’s “unfair trade practices” and its ongoing energy and arms ties with Russia. He said the punitive tariffs would take effect after the two countries failed to finalize a new trade agreement.
In response, New Delhi vowed to take “all steps necessary” to defend its national interests. The Commerce and Industry Ministry said both governments were still in talks to reach a “fair, balanced and mutually beneficial” trade deal.
Bilateral trade between the US and India reached about $129 billion in 2024, with Washington posting a $45.7 billion trade deficit, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
