India Halts US Defense Purchases. India has temporarily paused plans to acquire new American weapons and aircraft, signaling its first concrete pushback after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports. According to three Indian officials familiar with the matter, this decision highlights growing friction between the two strategic partners.
Defense Minister’s US Visit Cancelled
India had scheduled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Washington in the coming weeks to finalize several key defense deals. However, officials confirmed the trip has been cancelled following the tariff escalation.
On August 6, President Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. Trump argued that by buying Russian oil, India was indirectly funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move raised total tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, placing India among the most heavily taxed U.S. trading partners.
Major Defense Deals on Hold
As a result of the tariff hike, discussions surrounding India’s procurement of key U.S. defense systems have been paused. These include:
- Stryker combat vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems
- Javelin anti-tank missiles co-developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin
- Six Boeing P8I reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy, under a proposed $3.6 billion deal
Although written orders to halt purchases have not been issued, one official noted that “there’s no forward movement, at least for now.” The Indian government retains the flexibility to resume talks quickly if relations improve.
India Seeks Clarity Before Moving Forward
One official stated the defense deals could still proceed once India gains clarity on the tariff situation and the future direction of US-India ties. Until then, however, the procurement timeline remains uncertain.
Despite the tensions, India’s broader defense cooperation with the U.S. — including intelligence sharing and joint military exercises — remains intact.
Shift in Strategic Balancing
India, traditionally reliant on Russian arms, has been diversifying its defense imports in recent years, increasingly sourcing from France, Israel, and the United States. The ongoing war in Ukraine has limited Russia’s ability to fulfill export contracts, further encouraging India’s pivot to the West.
However, Indian officials insist that their decades-long defense partnership with Russia cannot be easily replaced. India’s military systems still require Russian support and maintenance.
Oil, Politics, and Pressure
India remains open to reducing its oil imports from Russia, especially if it can secure competitive prices from alternative sources, including the U.S. Yet, according to sources, Trump’s aggressive stance and rising anti-American sentiment in India have made it politically sensitive for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fully shift away from Russian energy and arms.
Notably, discounts on Russian oil — once a strong incentive — have now dropped to their lowest levels since 2022.
Strained Ties and Diplomatic Missteps
While the sudden freeze in defense talks may seem abrupt, tensions had been building. India has previously rejected President Trump’s claim that the U.S. brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during a four-day conflict. Trump’s decision to host Pakistan’s army chief at the White House shortly after the skirmish also drew criticism in Delhi.
Russia Courts India with New Offers
Meanwhile, Russia continues to pitch new defense deals to India, including its S-500 surface-to-air missile system, according to Indian and Russian sources. However, Indian officials say there’s currently no immediate requirement for new weapons from Moscow.
