On the great chessboard of international diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to sell F-35 fighter planes to India stands as a strategic move maybe inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim to deepen relations with the United States. Examining more feasible alternatives that fit India’s indigenous development goals and regional security needs, this article explores the several ramifications of such a deal, stressing the significant financial load of the F-35s, and questions their necessity for India’s defense strategy.