NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow against the backdrop of US tariffs on India over Russian oil. Putin’s visit to India is expected soon, with dates currently being finalised.
Moscow: India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday, reaffirming the depth of the India–Russia strategic partnership. Their talks covered a broad spectrum of bilateral and regional issues, with both sides agreeing to advance their “special and privileged strategic partnership.” The Russian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting, highlighting its significance in the current geopolitical landscape.
Doval’s visit to Moscow comes amid heightened tensions between India and the US over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. This follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports—bringing the total to 50%—citing national security concerns linked to India’s energy trade with Russia.
During his meetings, including one with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Doval confirmed that President Putin will visit India later this year, with the dates close to being finalised. He emphasised that high-level engagements like the upcoming summit play a vital role in deepening mutual trust, understanding, and strategic alignment between the two nations.
Deepening Strategic Ties
Discussions with President Putin also touched on the longstanding defence and energy cooperation between the two countries. Russia remains one of India’s largest military suppliers, and both sides have co-developed major projects such as the BrahMos missile and the Su-30MKI fighter jet. In the energy sector, India’s imports of Russian oil and gas helped push bilateral trade to a record $65.7 billion in FY 2023–24.
The upcoming Modi–Putin summit is expected to set new milestones, with targets of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and $50 billion in mutual investment by 2025. Cooperation spans defence, energy, trade, science, and technology—areas both nations aim to expand further.
Tariff Dispute with the US
India has strongly criticised Washington’s tariff hike, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” New Delhi has pointed out that other countries continue to trade with Russia without facing similar penalties. “Our imports are based on market factors and aimed at ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion citizens,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated, reaffirming India’s stance on sovereign trade decisions.