*Washington/New Delhi (August 18, 2025)* — The next chapter in India’sindigenous fighter jet program, the *Tejas Mk2*, is already facingturbulence as the United States has raised fresh concerns over sensitivetechnology transfer.
Peter Navarro, former Counselor to U.S. President Donald Trump, has warnedAmerican defense companies against sharing critical military technologieswith India. In particular, Navarro referred to the *General Electric F-414jet engine*, which is at the core of India’s Tejas Mk2 development.
“India’s insistence on the transfer of sensitive U.S. military technologyis dangerous. New Delhi has been cozying up not just to Russia, but evenChina in certain areas,” Navarro reportedly stated during a recent policyforum.
The Russia-China Angle
Navarro’s remarks reflect a growing unease in Washington about India’sbalancing act in global geopolitics. While India is a key defense partnerof the United States under frameworks like *Major Defense Partner status*and *Quad cooperation*, New Delhi continues to maintain deep defense andenergy ties with Russia.
Highlighting India’s purchase of Russian crude oil, Navarro argued thatsuch imports indirectly *fund Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine*, underminingWestern sanctions.Implications for Tejas Mk2
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The Tejas Mk2 program, which follows the success of the *Tejas Mk1A*recently inducted into the Indian Air Force, is designed to be a*4.5-generationmultirole fighter jet* with enhanced range, payload capacity, and avionics.Its development heavily depends on the successful integration of theU.S.-supplied *F-414 engine*.
Analysts suggest that if Washington grows reluctant to transfer enginetechnology, it could either delay the Tejas Mk2 project or push India toseek alternatives from *European or indigenous sources*.Strategic Dilemma
India’s position is complicated by its need to secure advanced technologyfor its defense modernization while also preserving strategic autonomy. TheU.S. is wary of sensitive technology leakage, particularly given India’songoing defense collaboration with Russia on platforms like the*Su-30MKI*, *S-400air defense system*, and joint ventures in defense production.Looking Ahead
With Tejas Mk1A already bolstering India’s air power, the Tejas Mk2 is seenas a critical step towards reducing reliance on foreign imports andstrengthening indigenous defense capabilities. However, U.S. hesitations —fueled by geopolitical mistrust — could create fresh challenges for India’sambitions of becoming a *defense manufacturing hub under “AtmanirbharBharat.”*