New Delhi, Aug. 9 -- Amidst renewed trade friction and sharp rhetoric by U.S. President Donald Trump, some in New Delhi view Washington's pressure tactics-including tariffs and strategic arm-twisting-as partly stemming from India's reluctance to acquire the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet for its air force.

Despite intensive lobbying by U.S. officials and defence contractors, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has shown little interest in the fifth-generation fighter. While the F-35 underpins NATO air dominance, senior Indian defence officials-both serving and retired-consider the aircraft incompatible with India's strategic priorities, operational needs, and technological ecosystem.

"The F-35 is more than a fighter; it's a flying compute...