India has decided to pause its plans to purchase U.S.-made weapons and aircraft, Reuters reported Friday, citing three Indian officials familiar with the matter. The move also includes the cancellation of an upcoming visit to Washington by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, which had been expected to take place in the coming weeks.
During the planned trip, Singh was set to announce new arms acquisitions from the United States. However, officials indicated that purchases will not proceed until New Delhi gains clarity on U.S. trade tariffs and the broader direction of bilateral relations.
One source told Reuters the acquisitions could still take place in the future, “just not as soon as expected.” Another official said there is no formal written order to halt purchases but confirmed there are “no developments, at least for now.”
The decision underscores the delicate balance in U.S.-India defense and trade ties, coming at a time when both nations aim to strengthen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
