India is currently undergoing a severe heatwave while also witnessing the conclusion of its national elections.
Although Modi has secured a victory, it is not without its challenges, and he faces another significant issue that is causing him great concern, much like the intense Indian weather.
India's long-time rival, Pakistan, has taken an action that has put India on edge.
Recently, media reports have indicated that China and Pakistan are discussing the export of the J-31 stealth fighter jet.
Pakistan might even bring the production line into the country, with current negotiations taking place between Pakistan and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
If China agrees, Pakistan will become one of the few countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter jets, marking a major leap for the Pakistan Air Force.
India believes that if Pakistan successfully introduces the J-31 and its production line, it could gradually phase out its current JF-17 "Thunder" fighters by 2030, making way for the J-31. In the future, the J-31 is expected to become the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force.
Once the production line is established, Pakistan will likely customize the J-31 domestically, potentially equipping it with various onboard weapons and Western aviation-related equipment such as avionics and electronic warfare pods.
Additionally, India speculates that the J-31's engine might use China's WS-13 engine, a medium-thrust turbofan engine offering higher thrust-to-weight ratio, lower fuel consumption, and enhanced stealth capabilities, improving the aircraft's maneuverability and survivability in combat.
The WS-13 incorporates several advanced technologies, such as integrated bladed rotors and additive manufacturing techniques, significantly enhancing the engine's performance and reliability.
These innovations make the WS-13's performance comparable to, if not surpassing, similar Western engines.
The J-31 itself is a highly anticipated "star model."
As China's second indigenously developed stealth fighter, the J-31's development and deployment are crucial steps in the modernization of the Chinese Air Force.
Also known as the "Gyrfalcon," the J-31 employs extensive stealth design technologies, such as internal weapon bays, stealth coatings, and edge alignment techniques, significantly reducing its radar cross-section.
These designs make the J-31 harder to detect by enemy radar during reconnaissance and strike missions, enhancing its survivability.
Unlike the J-20, which focuses on air superiority, the J-31 was designed from the outset as a multi-role fighter.
It can perform air-to-air combat missions and has significant ground attack capabilities, capable of launching various types of precision-guided weapons.
This versatility allows the J-31 to adapt to a wider range of battlefield environments and mission requirements.
China considered the export potential of the J-31 from the beginning, accommodating international market demands.
Some technical specifications and performance features were designed with international buyers in mind, making the J-31 poised to become a significant product in China's military exports.
The current negotiations with Pakistan affirm this strategy.
Seeing the Pakistan Air Force set to "move up a notch," India is likely feeling extreme dissatisfaction.
India has long held a "sour grapes" attitude towards Chinese fighter jets, aware that the J-31's capabilities are in the "first tier" but unable to obtain it, leading them to deny China's military strength and refuse to acknowledge the J-31 and J-20 as "true fifth-generation fighters," favoring their French-purchased Rafales instead.
India's stance does not affect China-Pakistan cooperation, but Modi's mood is certainly weighed down by this development.
Recently, in the Indian elections, Modi's victory was not particularly glorious.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost in its stronghold of Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in the Lok Sabha by seats. Moreover, Modi failed to secure wins in several key states, including West Bengal and Maharashtra.
According to the election results announced by India, the BJP won only 240 out of 543 seats, while the Indian National Congress and its allies secured 230 seats, stripping the BJP of the right to form a government independently.
This marks a significant shift in the political landscape dominated by the BJP over the past decade.
Western countries have been promoting the "dragon-elephant rivalry," which has led Modi to lose direction during his tenure.
Since taking office, Modi has increasingly aligned with the U.S. and Western nations, seeking recognition from these powers to gain more influence in the international community.
Domestically, Modi has incited religious nationalism, using unscrupulous means to appease Hindu voters for electoral support.
The current "victory in distress" undoubtedly serves as a wake-up call for the Modi administration.
If the Modi government continues to neglect relations with China and merely seeks to appease the West, both domestic politics and relations with neighboring countries will face enormous challenges.
This likely reflects Modi's current state of mind. With two major unfavorable developments in quick succession and Pakistan's strengthening capabilities, Modi is likely finding it hard to sleep peacefully.
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