Pakistan Expresses Concern Over F-35 Jet Deployment

The global spotlight is on the growing bond between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump. During PM Modi’s visit to the United States, Trump proposed selling advanced fighter jets to India. This move has triggered strong reactions from neighboring Pakistan, expressing concerns over regional security.

Pakistan’s Concerns Over Military Balance

Pakistan has openly criticized the offer, stating that it could disrupt the military balance in South Asia and threaten strategic stability. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) remarked,
"Such actions hinder efforts for lasting peace in the region. They escalate military imbalances and weaken strategic stability."

Pakistan urged global partners to maintain an objective approach, emphasizing the need for a balanced stance on regional security matters.

Trump’s Announcement on Military Sales to India

Following bilateral talks with PM Modi, Trump announced at a joint press conference,
"Starting this year, we will increase military sales to India by several billion dollars. We are also working to provide F-35 stealth fighter jets to India."

This statement signaled a major shift in US-India defense cooperation.

India’s Response: No Formal Process Yet

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed media queries on the proposed deal, clarifying,
"Military acquisitions follow a structured process, including requests for proposals and evaluations. As of now, India has not formally started this process regarding advanced aviation platforms."

This indicates that while discussions are ongoing, no concrete steps have been taken yet.

Strengthening US-India Defense Cooperation

India and the US unveiled a new initiative, the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), aimed at boosting industry partnerships and expanding autonomous systems production. The two nations also explored deeper military cooperation across various domains, including:

• Air, Land, and Sea Defense – Joint efforts in advanced training and operational exercises
• Space and Cyberspace – Strengthening technological collaborations
• Logistics and Intelligence – Enhancing troop mobility and intelligence sharing

Upcoming Military Exercises: "Tiger Triumph"

Both leaders highlighted the upcoming "Tiger Triumph" tri-service exercise, which will take place in India. This edition will be larger and more complex than previous versions, further reinforcing military ties between the two nations.

US-India Compact for the 21st Century

As part of the "US-India Compact for the 21st Century" initiative, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to:

• Enhancing defense partnerships
• Leveraging advanced technology for military cooperation
• Strengthening Indo-Pacific security collaboration

This agreement is expected to play a key role in shaping future defense strategies between the two countries.

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