India signs deal with GE for 113 engines to power Tejas fighter jets

India on Friday signed a deal with US manufacturer General Electric to purchase 113 engines to power an advanced version of its indigenous Tejas fighter jets, marking another step in strengthening defence cooperation with the United States after months of trade-related friction.

The GE F404 engines will power the Tejas Mk-1A, a crucial platform for India’s plans to modernise its air force and replace ageing fighters as tensions with China and Pakistan continue to shape New Delhi’s defence strategy.

The order follows delays in the earlier batch of 99 engines placed in 2021, of which only four have been delivered so far. GE has cited post-pandemic supply chain disruptions for the slow pace of deliveries.

According to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the state-owned manufacturer of the Tejas aircraft, the new batch of engines will be supplied over five years beginning 2027. HAL did not disclose the value of the latest order.

This follow-on purchase comes as Washington and New Delhi seek to reset their economic relationship. Relations had cooled after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent in August, in response to India’s imports of Russian oil. The move led India to temporarily suspend some defence procurements from the US.

However, both sides have since signalled a desire to rebuild ties. Trump said last month he aimed to finalise a trade agreement with India and told reporters in Washington on Thursday that discussions were “going good.” He also indicated he could visit India next year.

The easing of tensions coincides with a drop in Indian refiners’ purchases of Russian oil, following new US sanctions last month on Russia’s leading producers.

Trump was originally scheduled to attend the Quad summit — involving the leaders of Australia, Japan, India and the United States — later this year. But Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently said the summit would likely be held in the first quarter of 2026, noting that Trump “has a busy period ahead” in 2025.

(With inputs from Reuters)