Urgent delivery of GE engines requested by India
India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the US to fast-track delivery of GE F404 engines for Tejas jets, which have been delayed by over two years.
He also pushed for a quick agreement on co-producing newer F414 engines with HAL—key for India's next-gen fighters.
This was Singh's third chat with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth this year, as both countries look to deepen defense ties.
Slower boost to India's fighter jet strength
These delays could slow down India's plans to boost its own fighter jet strength and self-reliance.
A deal on the new F414 engines would mean more tech coming into India and better manufacturing skills at home.
The two leaders also talked about teaming up on military training and joint exercises, showing how important the US-India partnership is getting.