China and Pakistan have strongly reacted to the United States’ offer to sell advanced weaponry, including the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets, to India. Both nations warned that such a move could disrupt regional stability and create “military imbalances.”
The announcement came after US President Donald Trump’s discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars,” Trump stated. He further confirmed that the US was “paving the way to ultimately provide India with F-35 stealth fighters.”
The Lockheed Martin F-35, regarded as one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the world, recently participated in Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, showcasing its cutting-edge capabilities.
China’s Response: “Asia-Pacific Is Not an Arena for Geopolitical Games”
Reacting to the potential sale, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun cautioned against turning the Asia-Pacific into a battleground for global power struggles.
“No one should make China an issue in the relations and cooperation between countries or seek to instigate bloc politics and confrontation. The Asia-Pacific is a stellar example of peace and development, not an arena for geopolitical games,” Guo stated.
He further criticized what he called “exclusive groupings,” arguing that such alliances undermine regional security rather than enhancing it.
Pakistan’s Concerns: “Accentuating Military Imbalances”
Pakistan also voiced strong opposition to the proposed deal, warning of its consequences for South Asian stability. According to Dawn, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that such arms sales would “accentuate military imbalances” and “undermine strategic stability” in the region.
“These steps remain unhelpful in achieving the objective of a durable peace in South Asia,” he remarked, urging international partners to take a “holistic and objective view” of regional security issues rather than adopting “one-sided positions divorced from ground realities.”
India’s Stand: “Still at the Proposal Stage”
Amid growing reactions, India clarified that the F-35 deal is not yet finalized. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the media on Friday, confirmed that discussions were still in the early stages.
“This is currently something that’s at the stage of a proposal. But I don’t think the formal process in this regard has started yet,” Misri stated.
With the potential sale of the F-35s, South Asia’s strategic landscape could shift significantly. As discussions progress, China, Pakistan, and other regional players’ responses will likely shape the future of defense dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Team BharatShakti
