The news circulating online claims that India has paused a major arms deal with the United States in response to new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. However, this information is false and entirely fabricated. The Defence Minister said that there is nothing like this.
The Billion Dollar Deal
The Rs 3.6 billion agreement included Boeing aircraft, Javelin missiles, and Stryker combat vehicles. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was expected to visit Washington to finalise the purchase, but the trip has now been cancelled. This marked India’s first clear response to the US move to double tariffs on imports of Russian oil proceeds in India, raising trade tensions between the two nations.
Tariffs Impact Defence Ties
According to reports, the US arms deal would have added advanced US-made defence equipment to India’s arsenal, including six Boeing P-8I aircraft. However, after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian oil imports linked to Russia, India has decided to reassess its defence partnership. The cancellation of Rajnath Singh’s Washington visit underscores New Delhi’s concern over the economic impact. Officials cited by Reuters suggest further reviews of defence ties may follow if trade tensions escalate.
