India freezes US arms deals after Trump’s tariff hike

India has paused plans to buy new US weapons and aircraft in response to steep tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, marking a rare public rift in ties between the two countries.

According to three Indian officials who spoke to Reuters, New Delhi’s decision reflects growing frustration after Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% on August 6, punishing India for continuing oil imports from Russia, which he said were funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

India had planned to announce new arms deals during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s upcoming visit to Washington, but the trip has been cancelled.

Talks over key procurements — including Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and a $3.6 billion deal for six Boeing P8I naval aircraft — have now stalled. While no formal directive was issued to suspend purchases, officials say there is “no forward movement” for now.

Despite the freeze, India remains in dialogue with Washington and may resume the purchases once tariff and diplomatic uncertainties are resolved. The Pentagon and India’s defence ministry declined to comment.

Delhi, the world’s second-largest arms importer, has shifted away from traditional supplier Russia in recent years, favouring deals with the US, France, and Israel. However, tensions have grown as Trump continues to pressure India to cut Russian oil imports — a politically sensitive issue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While discounts on Russian oil are shrinking, New Delhi says it is open to alternative sources if prices are competitive.

The broader US-India defence partnership, including intelligence sharing and joint exercises, remains intact. But Trump’s outreach to Pakistan and his disputed claim of brokering a ceasefire with India in May have also soured relations.

Russia, meanwhile, is lobbying India to buy newer systems like the S-500 missile platform. Although India sees no current need for new Russian arms, officials acknowledge the long-standing reliance on Moscow for maintaining existing military hardware.

By Tamilla Hasanova