Reference News Network, August 8 report. According to Reuters, August 8 report, Indian officials said that New Delhi has put on hold the plan to purchase new weapons and aircraft from the United States. This is the first time India has clearly expressed dissatisfaction after President Trump imposed tariffs on Indian export goods. This move has brought the relationship between the two countries to the lowest point in decades.
Two sources familiar with the matter said that India had originally planned for Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Washington in the coming weeks to announce part of the procurement plan, but this trip has been canceled.
On August 6, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, as a punishment for India's purchase of Russian oil. This move caused the overall tariff rate from the United States to India to reach 50%, the highest among U.S. trade partners.
The report said that one source familiar with the situation said that once India clarifies the direction of tariffs and bilateral relations, defense procurement may continue, but "not as fast as expected."
The report said that due to the tariffs, discussions about India purchasing the "Stryker" armored vehicles produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, as well as the "Javelin" anti-tank missiles developed by Raytheon Systems and Lockheed Martin, have been suspended.
Two other Indian sources said that India is open to reducing its imports of oil from Russia, and if it can get similar prices, India is willing to make agreements with other countries, including the United States.
Two Indian officials said that India currently does not need to purchase new weapons from Moscow.
But one official said that India is unlikely to completely get rid of its reliance on Russian weapons. Given the long-standing partnership between the two countries, India's military systems will continue to need support from Moscow. (Translated by Wenyi)
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