Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has told the Lok Sabha that there has been no formal discussion with the United States on acquiring F-35 fighter jets.
Responding in a written reply to questions raised by Congress MP Balwant Baswant Wankhade, Singh clarified that while the joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit did mention that Washington would review its policy on releasing F-35 aircraft and underwater systems to India, no formal talks have taken place so far.
“During PM Modi’s US visit, the joint statement issued after the meeting with Trump mentioned that the US will review its policy on releasing F-35 and underwater systems to India. However, no formal discussion has taken place on this issue so far,” Singh said in his reply.
Addressing questions on the role of American diplomats in reducing hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Minister said there were various diplomatic conversations held with multiple countries, including the US.
However, Singh made it clear that any direct talks to halt military action were held solely between India and Pakistan, initiated at Islamabad’s request.
“With specific reference to the United States, it was conveyed to Vice President JD Vance on May 9 that India would appropriately respond if Pakistan launched a major attack. The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan’s request,” the reply read.
On whether India has evaluated the impact of receiving military assistance from the US on its independent foreign policy, especially in conflicts where third-party mediation could come into play, Singh reiterated that all outstanding matters with Pakistan would only be handled bilaterally.
“Our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally. This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the US President,” Singh stated.
Singh also highlighted that the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership rests on mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and deep engagement betweethe n people of both nations.
“The partnership has also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation. The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism of India’s national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy,” he added.
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