India used to rely on Russia when it came to military weapons and aircraft before, but not this time anymore. New Delhi might be more invested to see what the United States has to offer when it comes to military advancement.
As the country is distancing itself away from the Kremlin, it sees a new opportunity to add another set of fighter jets to its current lineup of aircraft.
Instead of seeking military aircraft from Russia, India will try to modernize its weapons with the help of the United States.
With the pressure that India is facing right now, it's torn about what to do amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The war resulted in delays in shipments of military weapons from East Europe to South Asia.
In line with the Aero India show which is expected to conclude on Friday, Feb. 17, India might have found the perfect moment to establish its growing relationship with the Americans.
According to ABC.net, India is looking forward to manufacturing more weapons as it braces to compete with other military powerhouses around the world.
Although Russia-backed weapons exporter Rosobonoexport was always present in the previous shows, it has not yet delivered any fighter jet to Bengaluru for the first time in 10 years.
Instead, India is testing the waters with other partners based in North America and Europe.
Does India want to add the F-35 to the lineup?
The same report by ABC.net has shown that the Indian Navy is becoming more comfortable with the offer coming from the US military.
With the arrival of Lockheed Martin F-21 and Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets to India, it's about time to use another military display coming from a different country.
India attempted to purchase 114 multi-role fighter jets for $29 billion. It was held for five years as China intensifies its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
When asked about the acquisition of the F-35, the Indian Air Force spokesperson said that the country is still not considering the offer. However, the fact that a pair of F-35s are featured at Aero India is a sign that the country wants to build a bridge with the US.
According to Angad Singh, a defense expert, what India is doing is "not a sales pitch," but a clear hint that the country acknowledges the bilateral relation in the Indo-Pacific region.
On the other hand, Rear Admiral Michael L. Baker said that the negotiation of New Delhi with Washington was now in "very early stages."
Aside from the Lockheed Martin fighter jets, the US has already transported a plethora of aircraft and weapons to India including military helicopters, P-81 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, missiles, Chinook, and more.
As India takes slow strides in detaching itself from Moscow, the country's imports reportedly skyrocketed to 400%, according to Nikkei Asia.
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