International News: At a time when the United States has doubled tariffs on Indian goods for purchasing Russian oil, India is reinforcing its decades-old friendship with Moscow. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is currently on an important visit to Russia, holding a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening defense, energy, and strategic cooperation. The visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian imports, signaling Washington’s displeasure over India’s close energy ties with Russia.
NSA Meets President Putin and Russian Deputy PM
During his Moscow visit, NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin and conveyed India’s readiness to host him later this year. He also held discussions with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, focusing on enhancing bilateral military-technical cooperation and accelerating joint projects in strategic sectors.
Strengthening Defense and Energy Partnerships
Doval’s talks also covered long-term defense collaborations, energy security, and preparations for President Putin’s visit to India. According to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, these meetings reaffirmed the mutual trust and commitment between the two nations. Russian officials emphasized that the India-Russia partnership has stood the test of time, adapting to global shifts while safeguarding shared interests.
PM Modi’s Direct Engagement with Putin
The diplomatic momentum was further boosted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with President Putin over the phone on Friday. The leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral projects and discussed the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi extended a formal invitation for Putin to visit India, which was accepted. In a post on social media platform X, Modi described the exchange as “good and detailed,” underscoring the resolve to further deepen the special strategic partnership.
Diplomatic Message to Washington
The timing of these engagements sends a direct signal to the United States. Trump’s tariff hike has been interpreted as pressure on India to curb Russian oil imports, but New Delhi’s continued engagement with Moscow reflects its independent foreign policy stance. Moreover, India is also expanding its diplomatic footprint—PM Modi is set to visit China later this month and recently spoke with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, highlighting a multipolar approach to global relations.
