New Delhi, August 8, 2025 — The Ministry of Defence has categorically denied media reports suggesting that India has paused its defence procurement from the United States following recent tariff hikes imposed by President Donald Trump. Terming the claims as “false and fabricated,” the ministry clarified that all procurement processes are continuing as per established procedures.
The clarification comes in response to a Reuters report that cited unnamed sources claiming India had put on hold plans to acquire new US weapons and aircraft. The report also alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s proposed visit to Washington for key announcements had been cancelled.
President Trump recently imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The move raised total duties on Indian goods to 50%, making them among the highest faced by any US trading partner.
Despite these developments, Defence Ministry officials emphasized that there has been no formal decision to halt or delay defence deals with the US. Existing contracts are being executed as planned, and discussions on future procurements remain active. The ministry reiterated that India’s strategic defence cooperation with the United States remains unaffected by short-term trade tensions.
