The government on Friday clarified that there have been no formal discussions yet on the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to India, despite a reference in the India-US joint statement earlier this year.
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In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said: “The US will undertake a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters (such as the F-35) and undersea systems to India. No formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue.”
This statement comes in the backdrop of PM Narendra Modi’s February visit to US, during which the two sides elevated defence and strategic cooperation, but without finalising key hardware acquisitions like the F-35.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was also asked whether any proposal had been made by the US regarding the F-35, and about the role of American diplomats in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Singh noted that diplomatic conversations were held with various countries, including the US, between April 22 and May 10. “All our interlocutors were given a common message that India’s approach was focused, measured and non-escalatory,” Singh said.
He added that on May 9, India had conveyed its position clearly to US Vice President J D Vance. “With specific reference to the United States, it was conveyed to Vice President J D Vance on May 9 that India would appropriately respond if Pakistan launched a major attack.”
Singh clarified that the decision to cease military action was taken bilaterally between India and Pakistan. “The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two-armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan’s request.”
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Responding to a question on third-party mediation, Singh reiterated New Delhi’s long-standing policy: “As regards any proposal for third-party mediation, our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally. This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the US President.”
He emphasised that the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is underpinned by mutual trust and respect for sovereignty: “The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement between our citizens. The partnership has also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation.”
Singh also reaffirmed that India remains committed to strategic autonomy despite deepening ties with Washington. “The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism of India’s national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy.”
(With inputs from PTI)
