Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday clarified that India’s defence collaboration with the United States has remained unaffected by ongoing trade tensions, despite Washington imposing 50 per cent tariffs on certain products.
“On defence, there is no spillover effect from the trade tension. In fact, those trade tensions are easing now, and we have resumed negotiations with them. Hopefully, it will be successful. Our defence collaboration and talks continued even during that period,” Singh said at a press conference during the Southern Command Defence Tech Seminar (STRIDE 2025).
Citing recent milestones, Singh noted that the Indian Army has inducted the first batch of Apache helicopters and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received multiple GE404 engines from General Electric for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A. One more engine is expected by the end of September 2025.
The Defence Secretary further highlighted ongoing delegation-level and 2+2 talks with the US, affirming that bilateral defence cooperation remains strong.
The LCA Mk1A, designed as a replacement for the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21s, represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities. Meanwhile, the Army’s induction of Apache helicopters in July has been described by officials as a “milestone moment” that will substantially enhance operational strength.
On the trade front, Sergio Gor, close aide of former US President Donald Trump and nominee for US Ambassador to India, recently indicated that a resolution on tariffs may be reached within weeks, stressing that Washington and New Delhi are “not that far apart” in negotiations.
Despite the uncertainty in trade, both governments continue to deepen defence ties, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership
