India Hits Back at Trump’s Tariffs: F-35 Fighter Jet Deal on Ice

International News: US President Donald Trump has sparked a major stir in global trade by announcing plans to impose import duties on several countries, including India. Under this move, Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 25% on a range of Indian goods, arguing that such measures are essential to “protect American industries and jobs.”

Initially, the new tariffs were set to take effect on August 1, but the White House has now pushed the implementation back by seven days. Analysts believe this delay signals that Washington may attempt fresh negotiations—possibly even with India—before enforcing the duties.

India’s Silent Response: F-35 Deal Put on Hold

The ripple effects of Washington’s tariff move are already visible in the defense sector. Sources suggest that India has quietly hit the brakes on talks to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States—a deal that President Trump had been strongly advocating during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February.

A Bloomberg report indicates that the Trump administration had been pressing India to sign on for the advanced fighter jets. However, not only did New Delhi refrain from committing, but it has now shelved the deal entirely.

Why is India Uninterested in the F-35?

• Technical shortcomings: Experts have long flagged multiple issues with the F-35 program, including performance glitches that have raised questions even within the US.
• High maintenance costs: Operating and maintaining the aircraft is prohibitively expensive, which could strain India’s defense budget in the long run.
• Alternative options: India already fields advanced aircraft like the Rafale and is actively working on fifth-generation fighter projects with Russia, reducing its need for the F-35.

Tariffs and Tensions: Trump’s Strategy vs. India’s Patience

Trump’s tariffs are part of his “America First” agenda aimed at bolstering US manufacturing. But experts warn that slapping a 25% duty on imports from a major trading partner like India risks damaging bilateral relations. New Delhi appears to view the tariffs as a form of strategic pressure. By freezing the F-35 deal, India has sent an implicit signal: if Washington wields the tariff sword, New Delhi’s appetite for major defense purchases could cool considerably.

What Are India’s Alternatives?

Defense analysts say India is now working to diversify its military acquisitions, ensuring that no single partner holds too much leverage.

• Rafale (France): Already inducted into the Indian Air Force, with a second batch of deliveries on the way.
• Sukhoi Su-57 (Russia): India has shown keen interest in Russia’s Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet that could strengthen its air combat capabilities.
• Indigenous programs: Homegrown initiatives such as the Tejas MK2 and the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are progressing steadily, positioning India to develop its own next-generation fighter jets in the near future.

Trump’s Offer—and India’s Subtle Rebuff

During Modi’s February 2025 trip to Washington, Trump personally pitched the F-35 as a “landmark defense deal.” US media hailed the proposal as a sign of deepening strategic ties, but India refrained from making any binding commitments. Now, with tariffs looming, India’s studied silence on the F-35 is being read as a deliberate message: New Delhi won’t accept every condition Washington sets.

What Lies Ahead?

Economists warn that if these tariffs take effect, Indian exports—particularly steel, aluminum, auto parts, and textiles—could take a significant hit. Beyond trade, the dispute could also cast a long shadow over defense and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

For now, all eyes are on the coming week: will Washington and New Delhi find common ground in negotiations, or will the tariff conflict escalate? One thing is certain—Trump’s tariff gamble and India’s cooling stance on the F-35 deal could shape the trajectory of US–India relations for years to come.