India has halted high-profile U.S. weapons purchases after Trump’s steep tariff hike, casting a shadow over the countries’ growing defence ties.
India has paused plans to purchase U.S. weapons and aircraft in response to President Donald Trump’s steep tariff hike on its exports, three Indian officials told Reuters. The move marks the first concrete sign of New Delhi’s displeasure after Trump on Aug. 6 imposed an additional 25% duty—raising the total tariff on Indian goods to 50%—over its purchases of Russian oil.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s planned Washington trip, during which he was to announce acquisitions including Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and six Boeing P8I reconnaissance aircraft worth $3.6 billion, has been cancelled. “Just not as soon as they were expected to,” one official said of the deals.
India’s defence ministry later called reports of a pause “false and fabricated,” insisting procurement was proceeding under “extant procedures.”
Despite tensions, broader U.S.-India defence cooperation continues. Officials say purchases could resume once tariff issues and bilateral ties are clarified.