Bharat Global Time | June 12, 2025
In a dramatic geopolitical week, India has reportedly rejected the much-hyped U.S. F-35 stealth jet offer, opting instead to deepen strategic ties with Russia for the Su-57, while fast-tracking the indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program.
At the same time, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir was spotted attending US Army Day celebrations, signaling a possible Washington-Islamabad thaw—and raising eyebrows in New Delhi.
Even more striking? India has flatly ignored Washington’s subtle trade threat linking arms deals to bilateral market access—asserting economic and defense independence like never before.
F-35 Offer Rejected – Why India Said “No Deal”
After months of back-channel lobbying, Washington’s final offer of the F-35 Lightning II came with strings attached: partial tech transfer, maintenance restrictions, and data access demands.
Indian defense sources confirmed:
“The F-35 is a great aircraft, but it comes with intrusive conditions and zero autonomy.”
Instead, India has chosen to:
- Accelerate Su-57 acquisition under joint development terms with Russia
- Invest ₹15,000 crore more into Phase 2 of AMCA, with first flight trials expected by late 2026
India’s message is clear: We want stealth, not shackles.
Su-57 & AMCA: India’s Stealth Future, Not America’s
The decision boosts India’s two-front defense:
- Su-57 Felon: 5th-gen twin-engine Russian stealth fighter, ideal for deep-penetration and anti-AWACS ops
- AMCA: Indigenous 5.5-gen aircraft with AI-assisted controls, supercruise, and drone swarm compatibility
Together, they offer India cost-effective sovereignty without compromising performance — a direct challenge to Western arms lobbies.
Asim Munir at US Army Day – What’s Brewing?
In a stunning diplomatic moment, Gen. Asim Munir was seen as guest of honor at US Army Day celebrations in Virginia.
While the Pentagon called it “a routine engagement,” analysts warn it may signal a reopening of strategic channels between the US and Pakistan — especially amid growing instability in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Pakistan watchers claim Munir may have pitched Pakistan as a cheaper, more loyal logistics partner than India.
India Ignores Trade Ultimatum – No More Pressure Politics
US Trade Rep. Katherine Tai had reportedly delivered an indirect warning:
“Market access is closely tied to defense trust.”
But India has refused to link its Make in India vision to conditional foreign deals. In fact, recent Cabinet notes suggest:
- FDI rules in defense will not be loosened for the U.S. alone
- All major tenders (including MRFA) must have full tech transfer clauses
- India-EU & India-Japan trade talks prioritized over any U.S. framework
India’s new doctrine: Strategic autonomy first, friendship second.
Global Reactions
| Nation | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Russia | Quietly optimistic – more Su-57 orders expected |
| China | Alarmed – Su-57s in India may threaten PLAAF |
| France | Concerned – Rafale M deal may slow down |
| USA | Disappointed, but not surprised |
Expert View
Defense analyst Col. Rajan Thapar (Retd) explains:
“India has drawn a red line: No more being bullied into big-ticket deals. If the West wants to be our partner, it must respect our red lines—no surveillance, no override, and full control.”
Geostrategist Dr. Shruti Nanda adds:
“Washington’s courtship of Pakistan won’t go unnoticed in Delhi. This will deepen India’s Eastern tilt, possibly with Russia, Iran, and ASEAN.”
Final Word: The Indo-US Trust Gap Widens
While the Modi-Biden photo-ops continue, the ground reality is shifting. India is building a 21st-century military on its own terms, not American ones.
Washington’s flirtation with Pakistan — including hosting Asim Munir — may turn out to be a major miscalculation in the Indo-Pacific gameboard
