India Denies Reports of Halting Key US Defense Purchases
Reuters had reported that India suspended plans to buy P-8I aircraft, Stryker vehicles, and Javelin missiles
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New Delhi has dismissed a Reuters report claiming it suspended plans to procure major defense equipment from the United States, calling the news “incorrect.”
The agency, citing three unnamed Indian officials, had reported that India put on hold deals for P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, Stryker armored vehicles, and Javelin anti-tank missiles — allegedly as a response to new US tariffs. According to the report, the P-8I deal alone was valued at $3.6 billion and was in its final stages, with announcements expected during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s planned US visit, which has since been canceled.
The Reuters report linked the alleged pause to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, on top of existing duties, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The order was signed after the two countries failed to reach a trade agreement by the deadline.
Responding to the claims, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that energy imports from Russia are driven by market considerations and the need to safeguard the energy security of India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
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