National Security Adviser Ajit Doval 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 and threatened India with additional tariffs for continuing to buy Russian oil while staying neutral on the Ukraine conflict.
According to a TASS report, 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.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, 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.
