US President Donald Trump’s decision to sell F-35 stealth fighters to India has sparked outrage in Pakistan and Turkey. They have responded defensively, accusing the US of disrupting the military balance in South Asia. According to the two Muslim countries, providing India with advanced F-35 jets could disrupt the military balance in South Asia.
On February 13, President Trump expressed his administration’s willingness to sell F-35 stealth fighters to India. F-35 stealth fighters are considered among the most advanced military aircraft in the world. The US president had also pointed to billions of dollars in defense deals with India this year as a potential lead-up to offering the stealth fighter. Trump stated that efforts were underway to eventually provide India with the F-35.
Indian PM Modi stated in the presser,“America plays an important role in India’s defense preparedness. We are moving forward actively toward joint development, joint production, and transfer of technology.”
How Pakistan Reacted
Pakistan fears that providing India with advanced F-35 jets could disrupt the military balance in South Asia, potentially undermining strategic stability and hindering efforts toward lasting peace in the region. Especially given the long-standing tensions between the two nations.
Reason For Turkey’s Frustration
The decision has also sent shockwaves through Turkey, a staunch ally of Pakistan- Turkey was removed from the F-35 program and faced U.S. sanctions after purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. However, India also bought the S-400, yet the U.S. did not impose similar sanctions. This has irked the Turks, who accuse the US of double standards. Turkish analysts and officials are questioning why India has not faced the same consequences as Turkey for acquiring the Russian S-400 system.
Frustration is mounting in Turkey, with many seeing this as yet another example of Washington’s selective policies. While Turkish officials have stayed silent, the public outcry has been loud and clear.
Social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), is buzzing with outrage as Turkish users call out the United States for “hypocrisy” and “double standards.” Many are questioning why India, despite also acquiring the Russian-made S-400 system, remains in Washington’s good books while Turkey was swiftly ousted from the program without a second thought.
US Removed Turkey From F-35 Program
Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program in 2019 was justified by the US on the grounds that operating both the F-35 and the S-400 posed a major security risk, potentially compromising the stealth technology of the fifth-generation fighter jet.
Despite India purchasing the same Russian-made S-400 system, it did not face the same consequences as Turkey. Instead of imposing sanctions, the US House granted India a waiver under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), protecting it from any penalties.
What Experts Say About US Double Standard
Experts argue that the situation isn’t just about double standards but shifting political priorities. While it may seem unfair on the surface, they point to a key distinction between India and Turkey’s cases. As a NATO member, Turkey was supposed to receive a NATO-standard F-35, meaning the presence of the Russian-made S-400 posed a direct security risk to allied defense systems. India, on the other hand, isn’t part of NATO, allowing the US to offer a customized version of the F-35 with localized technology, ensuring it operates independently of NATO’s military network.
