India Pauses U.S. Defense Purchases Following Trump’s Tariff Hike

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

New Delhi — India has temporarily paused plans to acquire advanced U.S. weapons and aircraft following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian exports, signaling a significant strain in bilateral relations.

According to three Indian officials familiar with the matter, the move marks the first tangible sign of New Delhi’s discontent after Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% — among the highest for any U.S. trading partner — as punishment for India’s continued imports of Russian oil.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had been scheduled to visit Washington in the coming weeks to finalize major defense purchases. The trip has now been cancelled, two sources confirmed.

Key agreements affected by the pause include:

• Stryker combat vehicles by General Dynamics Land Systems
• Javelin anti-tank missiles co-developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin
• Six Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy, part of a proposed $3.6 billion deal

Talks on these acquisitions were reportedly at advanced stages before the tariff escalation.

On August 6, Trump accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through oil imports and responded with a 25% additional duty, raising the total tariff to 50%.

While Trump has a record of reversing tariff decisions abruptly, the increase has already impacted defense procurement timelines. One senior Indian official said the purchases might proceed “once there is clarity on tariffs and the direction of bilateral ties — just not as soon as expected.”

Following publication of the initial reports, India’s Ministry of Defence issued a statement calling news of a procurement freeze “false and fabricated,” insisting that deals were progressing according to “extant procedures.”

Still, insiders say there has been no forward movement on negotiations since the tariff announcement, suggesting a de facto pause.

The freeze comes despite years of growing U.S.-India defense cooperation, including joint production plans announced by Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year.

India maintains it is being unfairly singled out, noting that Washington and European allies also trade with Moscow when it suits their strategic or economic interests.

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