India will not buy F-35 fighter from US, it may boost US imports after Trump’s tariff shock
The sun sets behind an Australian F-35A Lighting II aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2018. The first Australian F-35 arrived at Luke in December, 2014. Currently six Australian F-35's are assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron where their pilots train alongside U.S. Air Force pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham) Note: This image was created by placing a reflective surface in front of the the camera lens.
India is weighing options to placate the White House, including boosting imports of U.S. goods, but has ruled out buying F-35 fighter jets, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.
Officials told Bloomberg that while natural gas, communication equipment, and gold purchases may be increased to help narrow India’s trade surplus with the U.S. over the next three to four years, no defence purchases are being planned.
Sources told Bloomberg that India is not considering immediate retaliation but has reserved the right to respond to higher U.S. duties on steel and automobiles at the World Trade Organisation at a time of its choosing.
Despite US pressure, India is not interested in purchasing F-35 jets, Bloomberg reported. Instead, the Modi government is pushing for joint design and manufacturing of defense equipment rather than buying expensive American warplanes outright.
