National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has arrived in Moscow for a visit focused on strengthening India’s defence and energy ties with Russia. The visit comes as the United States raises concerns over India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia. US President Donald Trump recently criticised India for continuing to buy Russian oil while staying neutral on the Ukraine conflict. He also warned of possible trade tariffs on Indian goods.
Ajit Doval’s Sudden Visit To Moscow What’s On The Agenda ?
Why In News
- National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has arrived in Moscow for a visit focused on strengthening India’s defence and energy ties with Russia. The visit comes as the United States raises concerns over India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia. US President Donald Trump recently criticised India for continuing to buy Russian oil while staying neutral on the Ukraine conflict. He also warned of possible trade tariffs on Indian goods.
What’s On The Agenda?
- The visit is part of a planned schedule and will focus on defence cooperation between India and Russia. “The current escalation of the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. Apart from that the topics will include such pressing matters as supplies of Russian oil [to India],” the source said. Earlier, on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement rejecting criticism from the US and EU over India’s imports of Russian oil, calling it unjustified. The ministry noted that Western countries had earlier supported such trade to help stabilise global energy markets and continue to engage in trade with Russia themselves.
- Trump claimed that India is purchasing “massive amounts” of Russian crude and “selling it on the open market for big profits.” He added, “Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.” The MEA rejected the charge and pointed out that the US and EU continue to import key products from Russia, including natural gas, uranium, fertilisers, and palladium.
- In Moscow, Doval is expected to hold talks on defence industry cooperation. Discussions may include the possible purchase of more S-400 missile systems, setting up maintenance infrastructure in India and exploring options for acquiring Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets. The visit is seen as part of India’s effort to follow an independent foreign policy and maintain its partnerships based on national interests. He is expected to hold talks with his Russian counterpart on expanding defence industry cooperation, including potential procurement of more S-400 missile systems and maintenance infrastructure in India.
- The trip marks a key moment in India’s foreign policy as it balances longstanding ties with Russia while facing increasing pressure from the United States. A senior Indian official told TOI that the government will prioritise consumer interest ..
- Furthermore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also scheduled to visit Russia on August 27 and 28. His visit will focus on defence, energy, and trade discussions.
- Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral and international issues. He will also meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov to co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation.
- The Ministry of External Affairs has said that India’s relations with Russia are based on mutual understanding and should not be judged by other countries.
What’s Ahead
- In May, India’s crude imports from Russia declined by nearly 10% to $9.2 billion, primarily due to market fluctuations, not political intervention.
- Doval’s agenda also includes reviewing India’s participation in the resource-rich Arctic and exploring potential cooperation in high-tech sectors.
- India is scheduled to host the annual India-Russia Summit later this year, during which President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi for the first time since 2021. .. The summit is likely to cover energy security, food supplies, and a formal agreement on workforce deployment in Russian industries.
- Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position last week, saying, “India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership. Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country.”
