US approves $93m arms sale to India as trade tensions ease

November 20, 2025

The United States has authorized approximately $92. 8 million in weapons sales to India, encompassing Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur precision artillery rounds. This approval follows commitments made during Prime Minister Modi's meeting with former President Trump last year to strengthen defense cooperation between the nations.

Who is affected

India (recipient nation and its armed forces)
The United States (supplier nation)
Russia (facing reduced arms sales to India)
France (currently India's second-largest arms supplier)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Former President Donald Trump (referenced regarding past meetings and policy positions)

What action is being taken

The US State Department is approving two arms sales to India
The Department of State's Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) is clearing the weapons sales
The two countries are trying to close a trade deal
Tensions are gradually letting up between the US and India

Why it matters

This arms sale strengthens the strategic relationship between the United States and India, which the US views as crucial for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions. The transaction supports India's significant strategic shift away from Russia as its primary arms supplier, diversifying its defense procurement sources. The deal also represents a substantial component of the growing US-India defense trade relationship, which has expanded from nearly zero to $20 billion, advancing both nations' foreign policy and national security objectives.

What's next

The two countries are working to close a broader trade deal and resolve tensions stemming from Trump's 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil and arms.

Read full article from source: BBC