Desk Report,
Is India trying to retaliate by suspending its plans to buy weapons from the US?
India has put on hold plans to buy new weapons and aircraft from the United States. Relations have plunged to their lowest point in decades after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Indian exports, three Indian government officials said. The suspension of arms and aircraft purchases is India’s first major show of displeasure with the United States.
Is India trying to retaliate by suspending its plans to buy weapons from the US?
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit Washington soon to announce some weapons and aircraft purchases. But two officials said Rajnath’s visit has been canceled.
Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods on August 6 because Delhi is buying oil from Russia. According to the United States, India’s oil purchases are funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. As a result, the total tariff on Indian exports to the United States stood at 50 percent. India is one of the highest-taxed countries among the United States’ trading partners. Trump has abruptly reversed his decision to change tariff rates several times in the past. India has said it is still in talks with Washington. An official said that defense purchases could go ahead if tariffs and the future of bilateral relations are clear. But not right now. Another Indian official said that there was no written order to suspend purchases. So the decision can be changed quickly if both sides want. But there is no progress for now.
After the report was published, an Indian Defense Ministry source said that the news of a pause in the talks was “wrong and misleading.” The procurement process is continuing according to existing rules.
India has built a close partnership with the United States in recent years. Delhi says it is being unfairly targeted. However, the United States and its European allies are still trading with Moscow for their own interests.
According to the news agency Reuters, talks to buy Stryker combat vehicles made by General Dynamics and Javelin anti-tank missiles made by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have been suspended due to tariffs.
