India Denies Pausing US Defense Talks, Calls Reports “False and Fabricated”

India’s Defense Ministry on Thursday rejected media reports alleging that New Delhi had paused discussions on defense purchases with the United States, calling them “false and fabricated.”

This was reported by The Economic Times on August 8.

In a statement, officials stressed that all procurement processes are moving forward in line with established procedures.

However, Reuters reported on August 8, citing three Indian government sources, that India has in fact put plans to acquire new US weapons and aircraft on hold—a move described as the first clear sign of New Delhi’s displeasure after tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump pushed bilateral ties to their lowest point in decades.

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According to two of the officials, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s planned visit to Washington—intended to announce major purchases including Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and six Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft worth $3.6 billion—has been cancelled.

The pause comes after Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports on August 6, citing the country’s continued purchases of Russian oil, which he said were helping to finance Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The measure raised total duties on Indian goods to 50%, one of the highest among US trading partners.

Earlier, India’s state-owned refiners suspended purchases of Russian crude oil, sources familiar with their procurement plans told reporters, as Washington steps up pressure on New Delhi through steep tariffs.

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