NSA Ajit Doval may visit Russia today while Trump fires fresh tariff threat to India for Russia oil buys

Time of India

2 days ago

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is said to be arriving in Moscow today for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening defence and energy ties with Russia, The Times of India has reported.
The visit was pre-planned but it has gained added significance as US President Donald Trump on Monday announced fresh tariff threats against India, accusing New Delhi of profiting from Russian oil while ignoring the Ukraine conflict.
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply and said that the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. "Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.'
Trump claimed that India is purchasing 'massive amounts' of Russian crude and 'selling it on the open market for big profits.' He added, 'Because of this, I will be substantially raising the tariff paid by India to the USA.' The MEA rejected the charge and pointed out that the US and EU continue to import key products from Russia, including natural gas, uranium, fertilisers, and palladium.
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The MEA said India's purchases were initially supported by Washington. 'In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The US at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.'
Last week, Trump announced a 25% tariff plus penalty on India for failing to make a deal with the US and continuing its purchase of crude from Russia.
Doval's visit, planned before Trump's latest statement, now becomes a key diplomatic signal.
He is expected to hold talks with his Russian counterpart on expanding defence industry cooperation, including potential procurement of more S-400 missile systems and maintenance infrastructure in India
, according to a report by The Economic Times.
The trip marks a key moment in India's foreign policy as it balances longstanding ties with Russia while facing increasing pressure from the United States. A senior Indian official told TOI that the government will prioritise consumer interest when it comes to oil sourcing. 'We will go solely by the interest of our consumers and opt for the best option price-wise. If Russian crude works out cheaper than what we can get from other sources, why should we penalise our consumers?' the official said.
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Doval's Moscow visit will be followed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is expected to travel to Russia later this month. His meetings will focus on boosting Indian exports, cooperation in the Arctic, and civil nuclear collaboration. Talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov are also on the agenda.
India continues to import discounted Russian crude, helping to maintain stable domestic fuel prices. Officials noted that the trade has also enabled India to support global oil supply chains disrupted by Western sanctions.
'India's oil trade with Russia has taken place with full transparency and broad understanding with the US,' the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said in a note. 'Trump's decision to raise tariffs on India citing oil trade is not only unjustified—it ignores market realities, misrepresents trade data, and undermines a key strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.'
In May, India's crude imports from Russia declined by nearly 10% to $9.2 billion, primarily due to market fluctuations, not political intervention.
Doval's agenda also includes reviewing India's participation in the resource-rich Arctic and exploring potential cooperation in high-tech sectors, ET has reported.
India is scheduled to host the annual India-Russia Summit later this year, during which President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi for the first time since 2021. The summit is likely to cover energy security, food supplies, and a formal agreement on workforce deployment in Russian industries.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India's position last week, saying, 'India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership. Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country.'
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