Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States marked another step in the Indo-US relationship. This trip resulted in agreements covering defence, artificial intelligence (AI), trade, and counterterrorism, reflecting strategic convergence between the two nations. The bonhomie (dil) between Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump is well-known and was visible during the trip.

The takeaway from the trip will be analysed deeply internally within the government and outside too. As several new alignments have taken place, this visit was in a way to understand them much better.

One of the key takeaways from the visit was an agreement to enhance defence cooperation, including discussions on F-35 fighter jets. This deal highlights India’s efforts to modernise its defence capabilities and deepen strategic ties with the US.

However, buying an expensive fighter plane takes years to materialise. The F-35, being a sophisticated fighter jet, requires extensive discussions, technology transfers, and logistical planning before deployment. This is not a supermarket purchase; it’s more like custom-ordering a luxury car where every component has to be negotiated and delivered under strict security protocols. Nevertheless, this agreement sets the stage for a more advanced partnership.

Artificial intelligence was another central point of discussion, but the partnership appears tilted in favour of the US. While diplomatic statements emphasised cooperation, the US views AI as a strategic asset, as US Vice........

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