NEW DELHI– India’s Ministry of Defense has denied media reports claiming that New Delhi has paused plans to purchase weapons from the United States, calling the allegations “false and fabricated.”
The denial comes amid growing tension in India-U.S. relations following a decision by President Donald Trump to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods. On August 6, Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian exports in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, alleging that such imports help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. The move effectively doubled the total tariff on Indian goods to 50 percent—among the highest levied on any U.S. trading partner.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic strain, Indian defense officials insist that procurement discussions with the U.S. are proceeding as planned.
“The reports suggesting that India has paused defense purchase talks with the United States are entirely false and fabricated,” a senior Defense Ministry official told IANS. “All procurement cases are progressing in accordance with established procedures.”
The report in question also claimed that India had intended to send Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington in the coming weeks to announce key defense deals, but that the trip had been canceled. No official confirmation or comment has been made regarding such travel plans.
The clarification from India’s Defense Ministry comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Moscow. During the visit, Doval held meetings with multiple Russian officials, reaffirming the strength of the India-Russia strategic partnership—particularly in defense cooperation.
India and Russia have long-standing ties in military and strategic affairs, and both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening this partnership during bilateral security talks held shortly after Trump’s tariff announcement. (Source: IANS)
