Sat Aug 02 06:01:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

India has clarified its position on potential military cooperation with the US, specifically regarding the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets and US involvement in de-escalating tensions with Pakistan. While the US is reviewing its policy on releasing advanced military technology to India following a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, no formal discussions have taken place regarding the F-35. India maintains that any issues with Pakistan will be addressed bilaterally, rejecting third-party mediation. The government emphasizes that all external partnerships are evaluated based on India’s national interests and strategic autonomy.

**News Article:**

**India Awaits US Decision on F-35 Fighter Jets, Reaffirms Bilateral Approach to Pakistan**

**New Delhi, August 2, 2025 (The Hindu) -** The Indian government has confirmed that while the United States is reviewing its policy on releasing advanced fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-35 to India, no formal discussions have yet taken place on the potential sale. The announcement follows a February meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-President Donald Trump, where the possibility of releasing sensitive technology to India was discussed.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, stated that the joint statement from the February meeting included the US commitment to review its policy. “No formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue,” Singh clarified.

The Minister also addressed concerns about potential US mediation between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April. Singh emphasized that while diplomatic conversations took place with various countries, including the US, India’s message was consistent: a focused, measured, and non-escalatory approach. He further stated that discussions to cease military action were initiated by Pakistan through existing channels of communication between the two armed forces.

“As regards any proposal for third party mediation, our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally,” Singh affirmed, reiterating that this position has been made clear to all nations, including the United States.

The Indian government underscored the importance of its Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US, anchored in mutual trust and shared interests. However, it also emphasized that all external partnerships, including those in defense and strategic domains, are evaluated through the lens of India’s national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy.

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