India is giving the United States' offer to sell F-35 fighter planes very serious consideration, ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United States President Donald Trump. The Indian Air Force has plans to modernize, but there are concerns regarding logistic complexities, very high price, and delay due to F-35’s global supply chain and backlogs. The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project by India also indicates its quest for defence technological independence. An Indian defence procurement dilemma has always been finding an equilibrium between operational requirements over the near term versus strategic independence over the longer term.  

CNN’s Will Ripley praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiations with Donald Trump as “a masterclass for other world leaders.” Trump announced reciprocal tariffs hours before meeting Modi, a move Ripley noted could have embarrassed India’s leader. However, both sides secured what Ripley called “the best possible outcome.” Trump, who previously criticized India’s tariffs, cited past issues like Harley-Davidson’s struggles in India. The Republican leader’s new tariff plans target multiple countries, but implementation remains uncertain. Experts are assessing the potential impact on India’s trade.

India has rejected US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate in its border dispute with China, reaffirming its stance on bilateral resolution. After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump expressed willingness to help resolve tensions between New Delhi and Beijing. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri dismissed third-party intervention, stating, “We have always adopted a bilateral approach.” Trump acknowledged ongoing skirmishes and China’s global influence while calling for global cooperation. India and China remain engaged in negotiations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, with troop withdrawals and diplomatic talks continuing to ease tensions.

US flight carrying 119 illegal Indian immigrants is set to land in Amritsar on February 15. This follows the deportation of 104 Indians last week, who were sent back in shackles, sparking controversy. The deportees are from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and other states. The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioned why Amritsar was chosen for the landing, calling it an attempt to defame the state. Meanwhile, PM Modi stated that India will take back all illegal immigrants and tackle human trafficking networks.

India has reduced tariffs on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%. This move follows US President Donald Trump's remarks about India’s high taxes on American goods. The new tariff includes a 50% basic duty and an additional 50% levy. The change benefits US brands like Jim Beam but does not apply to other liquors. Experts see this as a step to ease trade tensions with the US. India’s liquor industry welcomes the decision, saying it may improve trade. The US is the largest exporter of bourbon to India, supplying nearly one-fourth of its total bourbon imports.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's U.S. visit, he met with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to discuss collaboration in space exploration, mobility, technology, and innovation. Musk expressed interest in launching his Starlink satellite internet service in India, despite facing regulatory challenges and competition from domestic telecom companies. Additionally, Musk plans to introduce Tesla electric vehicles to the Indian market, aiming to contribute to India's goal of increasing electric vehicle sales by 30% by 2030.

A special flight from the United States is scheduled to arrive at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Saturday, carrying 119 deported Indian nationals. This marks the second such flight following a U.S. crackdown on illegal immigrants. Among the deportees, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and 8 from Gujarat. The remaining individuals hail from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. This deportation initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to address illegal immigration.  

Elon Musk has sharply criticized the F-35 fighter jet program, labeling it "the worst military value for money in history" due to its high operating costs and technical issues. This critique resurfaces amid President Donald Trump's offer to supply F-35 jets to India. Musk argues that the F-35's design is flawed, being "an expensive and complex jack of all trades, master of none." He advocates for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as the future of air combat, suggesting that manned fighter jets are becoming obsolete. Musk's comments have reignited debates on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the F-35 program, especially concerning its potential acquisition by India.

PM Modi's recent US visit led to a series of key agreements with President Trump. Key takeaways include: expanding the US-India defence partnership, tackling terrorism with the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, setting a $500 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, and launching the TRUST initiative for tech collaboration. The two leaders also discussed energy security, Indo-Pacific strategy, and fostering people-to-people ties. The meeting signaled a strengthened partnership in defence, trade, technology, and global cooperation. Modi emphasized India's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" and a "MEGA" US-India partnership for prosperity.

During Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US, he firmly responded to questions about the Adani case, emphasizing that leaders of nations do not discuss individual issues like business disputes. The inquiry followed allegations by the US Department of Justice against Adani Group executives, including Gautam Adani, for involvement in a $250 million bribery scheme. Modi's response highlights India's democratic values and the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations. Despite the accusations, Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing.