India Halts US Aircraft Purchase Amid Tariff Dispute

DID Press: In response to rising U.S. tariffs, India suspended a key defense agreement to purchase six Boeing maritime patrol aircraft.

The suspended deal involved the procurement of six P-8I aircraft, which were intended to expand the Indian Navy’s current fleet of 12 such aircraft.

Originally approved by India’s Ministry of Defense in June 2023, the contract is now in limbo.

The suspension comes amid growing trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington and is seen as a signal that India is re-evaluating its defense priorities. The move also reflects a renewed emphasis on the “Make in India” policy, which promotes domestic defense production.

Analysts suggest this decision could significantly impact military and defense cooperation between the two nations and may indicate a shift in India’s approach to meeting its defense requirements