During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump made a groundbreaking offer to India—providing the powerful fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the F-35. This offer was seen as a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between New Delhi and Washington. Trump told reporters, “We are going to increase military sales to India by billions of dollars. We are also opening the path to provide India with the F-35 stealth fighter.” This gesture raised hopes of closer cooperation between the two countries, though it has left Turkey feeling sidelined.

Turkey’s Disappointment and U.S. Policy Differences

Trump’s decision to offer the F-35 to India is a direct contrast to the U.S. stance towards Turkey. While Trump extended this offer to India, the U.S. had previously denied the same fighter jets to its NATO ally, Turkey. The reason for this contradiction lies in the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 long-range air defense system by both India and Turkey. India operates the S-400, but unlike Turkey, it has not faced U.S. sanctions for this purchase.

Turkey’s Fallout Over S-400 and F-35 Exclusion

Turkey’s decision to buy the S-400 system from Russia in 2017 infuriated the U.S. Washington swiftly retaliated by expelling Turkey from the F-35 program and halting its plans to acquire these stealth jets. At that time, Turkey had been a reliable partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program and had planned to acquire at least 100 F-35A jets. However, the deal with Russia led to the collapse of Turkey’s F-35 ambitions. The U.S. further imposed military sanctions on Turkey under the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), cementing the blow to Ankara’s defense capabilities.

India’s Special Treatment: No Sanctions, Only Invitations

In stark contrast to Turkey, India’s acquisition of the S-400 system from Russia did not result in any U.S. sanctions. Instead, the U.S. has welcomed India as a potential buyer of the F-35 fighter jet. This disparity in treatment between the two nations has raised eyebrows, especially since both countries operate the same Russian air defense system. India’s strategic significance to the U.S., along with its growing defense ties with Washington, may explain this shift in policy.

The Strategic Importance of the F-35 for India

India currently does not possess a fifth-generation fighter jet, which makes Trump’s offer of the F-35 particularly significant. India’s potential acquisition of these advanced stealth jets would mark a major leap in its defense capabilities. Moreover, India’s adversary, Pakistan, is set to introduce next-generation fighter jets like the Turkish-made KAAN and China’s J-35A in the coming years, further underscoring the strategic importance of the F-35 offer. The F-35 could be a game-changer for India, providing it with advanced military technology that would enhance its air superiority in the region.

A Stronger U.S.-India Defense Partnership

Trump’s proposal to provide India with the F-35 is seen as a major shift in the U.S.’s defense strategy towards India. By offering India access to one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, the U.S. is cementing its position as a key defense partner to India. With the growing security challenges in the region, including Pakistan’s new fighter jets and China’s rising military power, the F-35 could provide India with a decisive advantage. New Delhi is expected to embrace this offer, further strengthening its defense ties with Washington in the years to come.