Recent reports suggesting that India has paused talks on new defense purchases with the U.S. have been categorically rejected by sources within the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which described such claims as “false and fabricated.” The Ministry clarified that procurement cases are progressing as per existing procedures, and defense supplies from the U.S. continue to arrive under existing contracts. The background to these claims includes the recent imposition of high tariffs by the U.S., which has strained trade relations, particularly concerning India’s imports of Russian oil. Additionally, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has postponed his visit to the U.S., originally scheduled for late August, due to the ongoing tariff issues, although this visit is expected to occur within the coming months. Notably, during a recent conversation, Singh and U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth discussed the urgency of advancing bilateral defense cooperation, including signing a new 10-year defense framework. The Indian defense establishment remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing defense ties with the U.S., indicating that current geopolitical tensions will not derail ongoing procurement processes or partnerships.