Trump Envoy Visits Indian Army's Western Command: F-35 Deal Brewing?

• Sergio Gor, a close confidant of Donald Trump, visited the Indian Army's Western Command, sparking speculation about a potential F-35 fighter jet deal.
• The Western Command, headquartered in Chandimandir, is crucial for India's national security, defending borders with Pakistan and playing a role in northwestern borders against China.
• Gor's visit to an active operational command is seen as a 'strong signal' of deepening military cooperation between India and the US, moving beyond paperwork to ground-level engagement.
• Speculation links the visit to the F-35, America's modern stealth fighter, with some suggesting it's an attempt to sway India from purchasing Russia's Su-57.
• India maintains 'strategic autonomy' in its defense deals, prioritizing national interests, despite US efforts to position itself as a 'better partner'.