F-35 Promotion in India: A Glimpse into Washington's Motives

F-35 Promotion in India: A Glimpse into Washington's Motives

The recent promotion of the F-35A Lightning II by the US Embassy in India has sparked a heated debate within the country's defence community. The embassy's social-media post, which highlighted the aircraft's stealth capabilities and advanced sensors, drew criticism for promoting the F-35 without a formal offer.

The exercise, Tarang Shakti 2026, is a joint military exercise between the US, India, and other foreign air forces. The F-35A Lightning II, along with six US Air Force aircraft, participated in the exercise, which aims to promote advanced joint training, exchange operational expertise, and improve interoperability amongst participating air forces.

The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that the exercise is intended to promote advanced joint training, exchange operational expertise, and improve interoperability amongst participating air forces. However, the US Embassy's promotion of the F-35 has raised questions about Washington's motives. If the aircraft is not formally being offered to India, why promote its capabilities to an Indian defence audience?

The criticism highlights the difference between statements of political intent for a possible F-35 sale and actual government-to-government acquisition process. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated in August 2025 that there had been no formal discussions on a potential F-35 sale to India. US political leadership has previously publicly discussed the possibility of India acquiring F-35 fighters, but public comments by political leaders are different from a formal offer, export approval process, or Indian procurement decision.

The 2025 Indian government statement specifically said the United States would review its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 to India, while confirming that formal discussions had not taken place at that point. For India, the exercise can provide exposure to concepts associated with the F-35, including sensor fusion, low observability, networking, and information sharing, regardless of whether New Delhi ultimately decides to pursue the aircraft.

The F-35's participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 marks the first time the aircraft has participated in a military exercise on Indian soil. The F-35 had previously appeared at Aero India, but had not participated in an Indian military exercise. The embassy's social-media post drew responses to the question as to why Washington was highlighting the aircraft's capabilities in India when there was not even a formal F-35 acquisition process underway.

The criticism highlights the difference between political intent and actual acquisition process. The US Embassy's promotion of the F-35 has sparked questions about Washington's motives, and the Indian defence community is left wondering why the aircraft is being promoted without a formal offer. The exercise can provide exposure to concepts associated with the F-35, but the lack of a formal offer raises questions about the US Embassy's intentions.

In conclusion, the F-35 promotion in India has sparked a heated debate within the country's defence community. The US Embassy's promotion of the aircraft without a formal offer has raised questions about Washington's motives, and the Indian defence community is left wondering why the aircraft is being promoted without a formal offer. The exercise can provide exposure to concepts associated with the F-35, but the lack of a formal offer raises questions about the US Embassy's intentions.