National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to arrive in Moscow late Wednesday night for crucial strategic discussions with senior Russian officials. The agenda will center around strengthening defense ties, addressing ongoing oil sanctions, and preparing for President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to India later this year.
Doval’s visit comes in the context of heightened tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant increase in tariffs on Indian goods, slated to rise to 25% starting Thursday. This shift is largely a reaction to India’s sustained purchases of Russian oil amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
During his meetings scheduled for Thursday, Doval is expected to assess the status of the remaining S-400 missile systems, which have proven vital in previous conflicts, particularly between India and Pakistan, and during Operation Sindoor in May. Discussions will also extend to Russia’s recent recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and potential paths forward in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine peace negotiations.
The Kremlin has voiced its concerns over U.S. actions, labeling them as “illegal trade pressure” on India. Presidential aide Dmitry Peshkov emphasized that sovereign nations possess the right to independently choose their trade relationships without external interference.
India’s oil imports from Russia have surged dramatically, climbing from less than 1% in early 2022 to nearly 40% at their peak. This increase has occurred despite persistent calls from Western nations to curtail such purchases. Following the U.S. announcement of penalty tariffs last week, some Indian importers have begun to reduce orders; however, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed these sanctions as “unjustified and unreasonable,” highlighting that both the U.S. and EU continue to engage in trade with Russia across various sectors.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also expected to travel to Moscow later this month to finalize preparations for the upcoming summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin. This summit is particularly significant as it marks a resumption of dialogue that had been paused for three years due to the Ukraine conflict.
