Moscow/New Delhi, August 8, 2025
In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday to bolster bilateral cooperation between India and Russia. The meeting comes at a time when global geopolitical tensions are intensifying, especially with former US President Donald Trump threatening trade penalties against countries engaging with Russia.
A video clip released by the Kremlin press service showed Ajit Doval warmly welcomed by President Putin, followed by a formal discussion between the two leaders. The visit signals India’s continued strategic engagement with Russia despite mounting international pressure.
Context: Trade Pressures & Oil Diplomacy
The timing of the meeting is critical. Just a day earlier, Trump announced a sharp escalation in tariffs on Indian goods — increasing them from 25% to 50%. The move comes in response to India’s continued import of Russian oil, despite the ongoing Ukraine conflict and global sanctions against Moscow.
Trump’s decision could significantly impact India’s exports to the US, especially in sectors like textiles, gems, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
India-Russia Relations: A Longstanding Partnership
India and Russia have maintained a decades-long strategic partnership, rooted in defense cooperation, energy trade, space technology, and nuclear collaboration. NSA Ajit Doval’s visit reinforces New Delhi’s position of strategic autonomy — prioritizing national interests in foreign policy, particularly in matters of energy security and defense procurement.
Sources close to the discussion noted that talks likely included:
- Long-term energy cooperation, including discounted Russian crude supplies
- Joint defense manufacturing and technology sharing
- Coordination in multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and the UN
- The evolving security architecture in Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific
Kremlin Statement
In a brief statement, Kremlin officials described the meeting as “cordial and constructive,” highlighting the mutual interest in deepening economic and security ties between Moscow and New Delhi.
Geopolitical Balancing Act
India has walked a fine line since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022 — refusing to condemn Russia outright while advocating for peace and dialogue. The US, particularly under Trump’s leadership, has increasingly sought to isolate Moscow economically and diplomatically, putting India’s balancing act to the test.
What’s Next?
With Ajit Doval’s Moscow visit and Trump’s tariff threats coinciding, India faces a crucial moment in foreign policy — choosing between economic pressures from the West and strategic ties with a long-time partner.
India is expected to continue its multi-alignment strategy, navigating relationships with the US, Russia, and other global powers without being tied to any one bloc.
For More : https://skylinktimes.in
