Vance Offers F-35s to India, Says US-India Must Rise Together

In a powerful address that combined diplomacy, defense, and political outreach, U.S. Vice President JD Vance took center stage at a major trade forum in Jaipur on Tuesday.

Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s paused tariff decisions, Vance laid out a wide-ranging vision for deeper India-US ties — spanning defense, energy, trade, and technology — while also showering praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and domestic popularity.

A Vision for Stronger Ties
In a 25-minute keynote, Vance emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to doubling bilateral trade with India to $500 billion by the end of the decade. He framed this goal as part of a broader strategy to build durable supply chains, create jobs, and boost economic prosperity across both nations.

President Trump wants America to grow. He wants India to grow. And he wants to build a future with our partners all the way,” Vance said, reinforcing Washington’s interest in shared progress.

Pitching the F-35 to India
The centerpiece of Vance’s address was a clear push for defense cooperation — especially the potential sale of the F-35A stealth fighter jets to India.

Accompanied by a high-level Pentagon delegation, Vance highlighted the F-35 as a “best-in-class” platform, ideally suited to strengthen India’s air defense and ensure interoperability with Quad allies like the U.S., Japan, and Australia

Beyond the F-35s, Vance reaffirmed American support for India’s broader military modernization, referencing existing and upcoming deals including additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and Stryker APCs.

Joint production efforts like Javelin anti-tank missiles and potential co-manufacturing of Stryker vehicles are also on the table — part of India’s estimated $200 billion defense modernization drive over the next decade.