India Halts US Arms Purchase Over Tariff Dispute

DID Press: Indian government suspended the purchase of weapons and military aircraft from Washington following the United States’ decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian exports.

According to sources, New Delhi also canceled a planned visit by its defense minister to the United States, viewing the move as a clear political message to the U.S. administration. The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on key Indian products—a measure that experts believe could strain the economic and security relations between the two countries.

In recent years, India has been one of the main buyers of American weaponry, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, and advanced defense systems. Now, it is considering halting these purchases—a step that could jeopardize multi-billion-dollar contracts. Informed sources say India is simultaneously exploring alternative options, such as expanding defense cooperation with Russia and France.

These developments come at a time when New Delhi–Washington relations have steadily expanded over the past decade. However, recent trade disputes have also cast a shadow over the outlook for security cooperation.