United States left speechless by India’s diplomacy

Editorial

By rejecting the United States F-35 fighter jets, India is now in the final phase of the decision-making process to purchase Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets. After India entered into an agreement with Russia for the procurement of these aircraft, the entire world was shocked. The United States has been the most shaken by this decision, as it was insistent on selling F-35s to India. Through this, India has shown the world that it takes decisions based solely on self-reliance and national pride, without succumbing to the pressure of any country. Following India’s decision to buy Russia’s Su-57s, the United States immediately decided to send the Chief Executive Officers of Lockheed Martin, the firm negotiating the F-35 sale, to India; however, India clearly responded, “We currently do not have time”, thus postponing their visit. India had never done this before with the United States; but now, through this step, it has indirectly signalled that it will not entertain their spiteful actions.

No matter how positively the United States may speak about India, its military strategy towards India is different. On one hand, it provides fighter jets like the F-16 and other weapons to Pakistan, India’s enemy, to help it fight against India; and on the other, it enters into defence and trade negotiations with India. This is their policy. India has indirectly conveyed to arrogant Nations like the United States – ‘We know our needs, and we will not enter into any agreement under foreign pressure’. The position taken by India against the United States is being widely discussed across the globe.

If the agreement with Russia is concluded, the fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57 will become a key strength of the Indian Air Force. India is considering purchasing 24 such aircraft. This fighter jet evades enemy radar systems and is equipped with modern AI-based systems, supercruise capabilities, and multi-target attack abilities. Russia had kept the technology of this aircraft extremely secret. Now, India is poised to become its first major international buyer. Alongside this, India is also going to purchase the S-500 defence system from Russia. This equipment, built with modern technology, will be possessed solely by India. Russia has decided not to sell it to any country other than India. As India is a good friend, Russia has taken this decision.

Su-57 jets superior to F-35s

Earlier, when discussions regarding the purchase of United States F-35s had begun, India had placed certain conditions before the United States. These included manufacturing the jets in India and transferring the aircraft and their technology to India at the same price as they are sold in the United States. However, these conditions irked the United States. As a result, discussions on the purchase of these jets had not progressed for many days. Ultimately, India chose to trust Russia and decided to purchase the Su-57 fighter jets. These fighter jets are far superior to and more technologically advanced than the F-35s. India is dependent on no one. Every agreement is made on its own terms. India has firmly demonstrated that if the United States does not share its technology, India will not purchase its fighter jets even at half the price, and this is the war strategy.

The United States’ consistent bias against India

Although US President Trump had offered the F-35s to India with the intention of countering China, those jets are exorbitantly expensive. In comparison, Russian jets offered a more affordable alternative to India. The F-35 aircraft have suffered several crashes, and questions have been raised about their safety. Their operational costs are immense, and they have faced technical difficulties over the past few years. Whether it be the purchase of fighter jets or commercial policy, history shows that the United States has consistently treated India with bias. It plays tactical games to always keep India cornered or to challenge India.

Since the 1990s, India has been bearing the brunt of terrorism. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed in these attacks. The United States witnessed the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Did it show restraint afterwards ? Did it hesitate when killing Iran’s top military officer Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike ? Has the United States ever shown restraint when the lives of its own citizens are at risk ? But when terrorist attacks occur in India, it advises India to exercise restraint. Why, then, should India listen to the United States ? The United States knows well that the entire world is under the shadow of terrorism, and it also knows that Pakistan is the sponsor behind it. Yet, why did it supply Pakistan with F-16 fighter jets ? Pakistan used these very jets against India in 2019. Fundamentally, the United States has no real interest in anyone. It always prioritises its own gain and benefit. It wants to play both India and Pakistan.

As the US military has exited Afghanistan, Pakistan’s strategic importance has diminished. Yet, the United States still needs Pakistan against India, and India to counter China’s growing dominance. Therefore, it is essential for India to understand the selfish tactics of United States and teach it a lesson in its own language. Only then will it behave. It is good that India is taking appropriate steps through diplomacy; however, India must also become economically and militarily equipped.

Once India becomes fully self-reliant, it will not have to depend on either the United States or Russia. The Government must take steps to ensure that day comes at the earliest.

It is essential for India to understand the selfish tactics of US and teach it a lesson in its own language. Only then will it behave !