On August 1, 2025, the Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to strategic autonomy by formally rejecting the United States’ offer to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets. The move came just days after President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all Indian imports, escalating trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington. Senior Indian officials, in response to the tariff shock, clarified that immediate retaliation was off the table, choosing instead to focus efforts on diplomatic engagement and bolstering domestic industry. The Modi administration emphasized its preference for co-development and indigenous production under the “Make in India” and Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiatives, expressing a desire for defense partnerships centered around technology transfer and local manufacturing rather than expensive off-the-shelf acquisitions. Notably, India’s defense modernization is pivoting towards enhancing its homegrown capabilities such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program and the upgrade of its Su-30MKI fighter fleet, reflecting a broader push to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. As trade negotiations continue amid geopolitical frictions, India’s stance underlines a broader policy of safeguarding national security interests through self-reliance and innovation.