Defence Ministry Rejects Claims of Halt in US Arms Procurement Over Tariff Dispute

The Defence Ministry has dismissed media reports suggesting that India had paused its arms purchases from the United States following a recent tariff disagreement.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the ministry clarified that defence procurement decisions are guided by operational requirements and long-term strategic planning, not by trade-related issues. It termed the reports “misleading and speculative,” emphasising that India’s defence ties with the US remain strong.

Officials noted that ongoing projects, including the acquisition of advanced aircraft, drones, and artillery systems, are progressing as scheduled. “There has been no directive to suspend or delay any procurement from the US,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid heightened discussions over the impact of bilateral trade tensions on other areas of cooperation between the two countries. Defence analysts say that while economic disputes can influence broader diplomatic engagements, defence partnerships between India and the US have historically remained insulated from short-term trade disagreements.