National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will arrive in Moscow late Wednesday night for strategic discussions with senior Russian officials on defence ties, oil sanctions, and preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India later this year. His trip comes as US President Donald Trump signals a sharp increase to the 25% tariffs on Indian goods set to take effect Thursday, in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
During his meetings on Thursday, Doval is expected to review the delivery of the remaining S-400 missile systems, which played a decisive role during the India–Pakistan conflict and Operation Sindoor in May. Talks will also cover Russia’s recent recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and possible steps towards Russia–Ukraine peace talks.
The Kremlin has accused Washington of exerting “illegal trade pressure” on India, with presidential aide Dmitry Peshkov stressing that sovereign nations have the right to independently determine their trade partnerships.
India has significantly expanded its oil imports from Russia, rising from under 1% in early 2022 to nearly 40% at its peak, despite Western calls to reduce purchases. While some importers have scaled back orders since the US announced penalty tariffs last week, the Ministry of External Affairs has described the sanctions as “unjustified and unreasonable,” noting that both the US and EU continue to trade with Russia in other sectors.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to visit Moscow later this month to finalise arrangements for the Modi–Putin summit, which resumed last year after a three-year gap caused by the Ukraine conflict.
