India has suspended plans to acquire new American-made weapons and aircraft in a sharp sign of deteriorating ties between New Delhi and Washington, following US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep new tariffs on Indian exports.
According to informed sources, India also canceled a planned visit by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington, as trade tensions between the two nations intensify.
On August 6, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on imports from India as punishment for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This move brings the total tariff rate on Indian goods to 50%—one of the highest levels imposed on any U.S. trading partner.
Although Trump has a history of reversing tariff decisions abruptly, India has made it clear that the new measures are straining bilateral relations. New Delhi insists it is being unfairly targeted, pointing out that Washington and its European allies still trade with Moscow when it suits their interests.
Sources indicated that India could resume defense procurement once there is greater clarity on tariffs and the direction of bilateral ties, but “not at the pace originally expected.”
The suspension has directly impacted negotiations for key defense acquisitions, including the purchase of Stryker armored combat vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems and Javelin anti-tank missiles jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
India and the US have built a close strategic partnership in recent years, but this latest dispute underscores how quickly geopolitical frictions can derail major defense and trade deals.
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