India denies halting talks with US on arms purchases
Narendra Modi's government has not suspended talks on purchasing weapons from the US (photo: Getty Images)
India's Ministry of Defense has denied reports about suspending talks on purchasing US weapons. The suspension allegedly took place after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs against India, Times of India reports.
The ministry told reporters that media reports about the suspension of talks on large-scale purchases of defense products from the United States "are false and fabricated."
"The news reports on India pausing the talks related to defence purchases with the US are false and fabricated. It is clarified that the various cases of procurement are being progressed as per the extant procedures," officials said.
Origin of the suspension news
Reuters news agency on August 8, citing its own sources, reported that India had suspended plans to purchase American weapons and aircraft. This allegedly happened because New Delhi was dissatisfied with Trump's tariffs and decided to strike back in this way.
According to the publication's sources, the purchases of Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin missiles, and six Boeing P-8 reconnaissance aircraft were under threat. The latter deal, involving the aircraft, was valued at $3.6 billion and was in its final stage.
In addition, according to the news agency, the visit of India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to the US was allegedly canceled. During the visit, the minister was supposed to finalize defense procurement agreements.
At the same time, the publication noted that India continues to maintain close military-industrial ties with Russia, despite recent efforts to diversify arms and military equipment purchases abroad.
Punishment for trade with Russia
On August 6, Trump, by executive order, imposed an additional 25% tariff on India. The reason was India's continued purchases of Russian oil. These tariffs were in addition to the 25% duties on Indian goods that came into effect in the US on August 1.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has already responded to the new measures, beginning to justify the necessity of buying Russian oil. Meanwhile, the US insists that the 25% tariffs are only the beginning of a pressure campaign on buyers of Russian oil.
Interestingly, according to media reports, Indian oil refineries urgently halted the purchase of Russian oil after the large-scale tariffs. Companies are now awaiting instructions from the Indian government.
