Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s planned Washington visit canceled amid rising tensions over US tariffs on Indian exports
India Halts US Defence Deals Over Tariff Dispute
India has put its plans to buy US weapons and aircraft on hold. This move comes after the US, under President Donald Trump, imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was expected to visit Washington soon to announce new purchases.
- The visit has been canceled amid uncertainty over tariffs and bilateral ties.
- Three Indian officials familiar with the matter confirmed the pause, according to Reuters.
Background: Trump’s Tariffs on Indian Goods
- On August 6, President Trump added a 25% tariff on Indian goods.
- This raised total tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, among the highest for any US trading partner.
- The tariffs were imposed as punishment for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
- Trump claimed these purchases indirectly fund Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Impact on Defence Purchases
Several key deals have been paused:
- Procurement of Stryker combat vehicles by General Dynamics Land Systems.
- Purchase of Javelin anti-tank missiles developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
- A proposed $3.6 billion deal for six Boeing P8I reconnaissance aircraft and related support for the Indian Navy.
These purchases were initially planned after a joint announcement by Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February.
Official Statements and Current Status
- No formal orders to stop purchases have been issued, leaving room for a quick reversal.
- India is waiting for clarity on US tariffs and the future direction of bilateral relations.
- India’s Defence Ministry and the US Pentagon did not respond to Reuters queries.
India-US Defence Partnership Amid Tensions
- Despite the pause, broader defence cooperation continues smoothly, including intelligence sharing and joint exercises.
- India remains the world’s second-largest arms importer.
- Russia has historically been India’s top arms supplier but its share is shrinking.
- India is shifting more towards Western suppliers such as the US, France, and Israel.
Russia’s Role and India’s Oil Imports
- India’s purchases of Russian oil and defence technology remain sensitive topics.
- Moscow is actively offering India advanced defence systems like the S-500 missile.
- India currently sees no urgent need for new Russian arms but will continue to rely on Russian support for existing systems.
- India is open to reducing Russian oil imports if alternatives at competitive prices are available.
Political and Strategic Challenges
- Trump’s tariffs and rising anti-US sentiment in India complicate a full shift away from Russia.
- India denies Trump’s claim that the US brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May.
- Diplomatic tensions have affected the India-US relationship, but cooperation in strategic areas continues.
What’s Next?
- India awaits more clarity from the US on tariffs.
- Defence purchases may resume once ties improve.
- The situation remains fluid amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.
India’s decision to pause US weapons and aircraft purchases highlights the growing impact of trade disputes on strategic defence ties. While the partnership between the two countries remains strong, the final outcome will depend on how tariff issues and diplomatic talks evolve in the coming months.
Also Read : India’s Fuel Bill Could Surge by $12 Billion if Russian Oil Imports Stop
