US President Donald Trump stated, “Starting this year, our military sales to India will increase by billions of dollars, and we will also pave the way for providing F-35 fighter jets.” The sale of F-35s to India, which recently purchased the S-400, has attracted attention.

President Trump held a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. Trump noted that they would enhance defense cooperation between the two countries by increasing military sales to India by billions of dollars starting this year and facilitating the provision of F-35 fighter jets. Despite India’s earlier purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia, it was exempted from the relevant US sanctions under the CAATSA law. The US administration stated that it views India as an important element in balancing China in the Southeast Asia region and therefore did not implement the CAATSA sanctions on this country. Washington’s action drew criticism from Ankara, which faced sanctions for purchasing the same systems from Russia. In October 2018, India signed a $5.8 billion deal with Moscow to purchase S-400 air defense systems, with the first batch being delivered in December 2021.

The offer of F-35s came at a time when Russia expressed its intention to arm India with Su-57 stealth fighter jets and assist India in a domestic AMCA program. Despite Turkey’s initial investment in the project, the US blocked the sale of F-35s to Turkey due to its purchase of S-400 air defense systems.