National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The engagement took place at the Kremlin as part of Doval’s scheduled bilateral talks during his ongoing visit to Russia.
In a video released by Russian state media outlet Sputnik News, Doval referred to India’s ties with Russia as “very special” and emphasized the “long relationship” between the two countries, which he said continues to be strengthened through regular high-level engagements.
Putin’s India Visit Likely Soon
Doval also welcomed the announcement of an upcoming state visit by President Putin to India, noting that summit-level meetings have historically marked key phases in the India-Russia relationship.
“We are very excited and delighted to learn about the visit of His Excellency, the President of Russia, President Putin, to India. I think the dates are almost finalized now,” Doval said.
“The more important thing is that the summit meetings have always been a watershed point.”
According to sources cited by ANI, while plans for Putin’s visit are underway, no specific dates have been finalized during the current round of engagements.
Backdrop: Trump’s Tariff Move on India
The meeting came less than 24 hours after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s ongoing purchase of discounted Russian oil. Trade tensions have sharply increased as a result of the directive, which effectively doubles the overall tax burden on Indian imports to 50%.
India has defended its energy trade with Russia, stating that oil imports are “driven by national interest and market dynamics.” The Ministry of External Affairs has not commented directly on the tariff move but has maintained that India follows an independent foreign policy.
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Defence Cooperation Remains Strong
India and Russia continue to maintain strong defence cooperation despite geopolitical pressures. India agreed to pay $5.43 billion in 2018 to acquire five S-400 Triumf air defense missile system squadrons. Three squadrons have been delivered thus far, and the remaining deliveries are anticipated to occur over the course of the upcoming year.
The S-400 deal remains a cornerstone of India’s defence partnership with Russia, even as it draws criticism and potential sanctions threats from the United States under the CAATSA framework.
