Moscow: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and a looming trade penalty from the United States, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, August 5, for key strategic discussions with Russian officials.
The visit, reported by Russian news agency TASS, is expected to focus on defence cooperation, security collaboration, and the continuation of Russian oil supplies to India.
Doval’s Russia Trip Amid US Pressure
Although officially a scheduled engagement, Doval’s visit takes on added weight in light of US President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats to India. Trump has announced plans to slap a 25% penalty tariff on India, accusing the country of being “Russia’s largest buyer of energy” and one of its top defence customers. He controversially said that India and Russia “could take their dead economies down together.”
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Despite the remarks, both sides are expected to press ahead with deepening ties. A source cited by TASS confirmed that the ongoing “escalation of the geopolitical situation” and energy trade will be central to the talks.
India Defends Oil Trade
Ahead of Doval’s visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly rejected criticism from the US and European Union over India’s continued imports of Russian oil. In a statement on Monday, the MEA called the backlash “unjustified” and pointed to the West’s own continued economic engagements with Moscow.
“India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the ministry said, also accusing Western nations of “double standards.” It added that the EU’s trade with Russia in 2024 was still far higher than India’s, despite its public stance against the Ukraine war.
