NSA Ajit Doval Meets Putin In Moscow Amid Donald Trump Doubling Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil Trade

(MENAFN- Live Mint) India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday, in a visit laden with strategic importance amid rising global tensions. The Kremlin released footage showing Doval shaking hands with Putin, though no official details of their conversation have yet been made public.

Doval's trip to Moscow comes as India navigates complex geopolitical terrain , balancing deep-rooted defence and energy ties with Russia against mounting pressure from Western capitals, particularly Washington.

The Kremlin published footage of Putin shaking hands with Ajit Doval, though provided no details of their discussions.

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Before meeting President Putin, Doval held separate talks with Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergey Shoigu . Indian officials have indicated that the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy and defence - two pillars of the Indo-Russian strategic partnership.

Doval's visit is also expected to lay the diplomatic groundwork for President Putin's anticipated visit to India later this year.

Also Read | Ajit Doval in Moscow amid Trump tariff threats over India's Russian oil buys How does Trump's tariff move fit into Doval's Russia visit?

Coinciding with Doval's Moscow visit, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total to 50%. The move is widely viewed as a punitive measure in response to India's continued import of Russian oil - a key revenue source for Moscow amid ongoing sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

The new tariff regime is set to take effect in three weeks, adding fresh strain to India–US trade relations.

Washington has argued that countries trading with Russia are indirectly helping fund its military offensive in Ukraine. However, India has repeatedly defended its purchases, saying it turned to Russian oil only after traditional suppliers redirected shipments to Europe following the outbreak of the conflict in 2022.

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The Kremlin did not name Trump specifically, but issued a sharp rebuke against attempts to“force countries to sever trading relations” with Russia , labelling such actions“illegitimate.”

Despite Western efforts to curtail Moscow's export income, Russia has successfully redirected its energy trade to markets like India and China, allowing vital revenue streams to continue flowing.

Also Read | Putin likely to visit India in late 2025 amid Trump tariff war: Report Why does this meeting matter now?

Doval's meeting with Putin - against the backdrop of Washington's tariff escalation - underscores New Delhi's diplomatic tightrope walk between long-standing strategic partners. With defence and energy interests deeply entwined with Moscow, India remains firm on pursuing an independent foreign policy, even as it engages closely with the West.

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