Reuters report on Indian pause of US defense purchases ‘incorrect'
The news agency, citing three Indian officials familiar with the matter, said New Delhi had paused plans to buy P-8I aircraft, Stryker vehicles, and Javelin missiles, suggesting it was a sign of displeasure over US President Donald Trump's new tariffs on India.
The deal for the P-8I aircraft was estimated at $3.6 billion and was in the final stages, according to the report.
The news agency added that the purchases would be announced during a planned visit of Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to the US, which is now canceled.
On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on the South Asian nation for its continued purchases of Russian oil – in addition to the 25% already imposed on Indian imports, as the countries did not meet a deadline for a trade deal.
An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman said this week that 'imports from Russia are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.'
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