New Delhi: The Congress party has raised serious concerns over the Modi government’s decision to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the United States, alleging a lack of consultation with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and questioning whether national interests were adequately considered. Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticised the government for what he called a “unilateral decision” and demanded transparency in the defence procurement process.
The controversy stems from US President Donald Trump’s announcement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US, where he stated that the US would increase military hardware sales to India, including the potential supply of F-35 stealth fighter jets. Surjewala questioned whether the government had consulted the IAF or considered the technical and financial implications of the deal.
Key Concerns Raised by Congress
Surjewala highlighted several issues with the proposed F-35 deal, including the exorbitant cost of the aircraft and the absence of recommendations from the IAF or the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). “Is the Modi government aware that the F-35 is the most expensive fighter jet in the world, with each unit costing approximately ₹968 crore?” he asked.
He further questioned whether the IAF had recommended the purchase of F-35 jets in line with India’s defence needs. “Was the IAF consulted? Did a committee of pilots and defence experts evaluate the F-35 and recommend its purchase? Did the DAC make any such recommendation?” Surjewala asked, emphasising the need for due diligence in defence procurement.
Allegations of Unilateral Decision-Making
The Congress leader accused the Modi government of making a unilateral decision under pressure from the US, without considering India’s strategic interests. “Did the Modi government evaluate all aspects of national interest before deciding to buy F-35 jets on President Trump’s say-so?” he asked, urging the government to prioritise transparency and accountability in defence deals.
India-US Defence Partnership
The F-35 deal is part of a broader 10-year defence partnership between India and the US, which includes co-production of major weapons systems and enhanced military cooperation. During Modi’s visit, India also confirmed the purchase of six additional P-8I long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the US.
While the government has hailed these agreements as a step towards strengthening India’s defence capabilities, the Congress has accused the Modi administration of bypassing established protocols and failing to involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process.
What Lies Ahead
The Congress’s criticism has reignited the debate over defence procurement processes in India, with calls for greater transparency and accountability. As the government moves forward with the F-35 deal, it will need to address these concerns and demonstrate that the purchase aligns with India’s strategic and operational requirements.
With the IAF’s role in the decision-making process under scrutiny, the controversy highlights the need for a more inclusive and consultative approach to defence acquisitions. As the debate unfolds, the focus will remain on whether the government can justify the F-35 purchase as a prudent investment in India’s national security.
Comments are closed.