India stands at a historic crossroads. Should it embrace the American F-35 jet, or should it buy the Russian Su-57? Earlier this year, Us President Donald Trump offered India the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, a move hailed as game-changing. But just as that offer began gaining traction, another twist emerged—this time from Russia.

In a bold and unprecedented play, Moscow sweetened its Su-57 proposal by offering India access to the aircraft’s source code. This surprising development sent shockwaves through global defence circles, highlighting India’s growing geopolitical leverage while presenting a difficult choice: advanced American technology with restrictions, or Russian flexibility with an uncertain performance history.

Reports now suggest that India is actively considering the Russian Su-57 offer over the American F-35. As per CNBC’s Parikshit Luthra, government sources have confirmed that India is weighing the Su-57 offer, while no F-35 proposal is under consideration at the moment.

What is driving this potential shift? And what should India ultimately choose—an American fighter jet, a Russian one, or should it double down on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme? The decision is complex, consequential, and likely to shape India’s military capabilities, strategic autonomy, and position in the global fifth-generation fighter race.

India’s need for fifth-generation jets is urgent. China already has J-20 stealth fighters operational along the border and is preparing to export its J-35 fighter, possibly to Pakistan. India’s own AMCA programme has been cleared but is still in its early stages. Even in the most optimistic scenario, it will take several years before a prototype is ready for induction. That timeline makes a stop-gap purchase probable, and global defence manufacturers have been quick to recognise India’s........

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