Ajit Doval Meets Putin on Russia Visit. Putin Warmly Welcomes Him. US Raises Tariffs to 50%, Objecting to India's Closeness to Russia. India Remains Committed to Independent Policy.
Ajit Doval India Russia: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Moscow on a visit to Russia, where he was warmly welcomed by President Vladimir Putin. This meeting comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on India and expressed displeasure over India's closeness to Russia. Trump is concerned that India is profiting in the global market by buying cheap Russian oil.
Ajit Doval's Visit to Russia
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval arrived in Moscow, the capital of Russia, on August 7, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. The meeting took place in the Kremlin. As soon as Doval arrived, Putin quickly came forward and greeted him with a smile. The warmth between the two leaders is a clear indication that India-Russia relations are not only diplomatic but also strategically deep.
America's Displeasure
President Donald Trump has imposed a double tariff burden on India. He first imposed a 25 percent tariff on products imported from India. Now it has been increased to 50 percent. This step has been taken mainly due to India buying cheap oil from Russia.
The US alleges that India buys crude oil from Russia at low prices and refines it and sells it in the international market at high prices. This is giving economic benefits to Russia, which it is using in the Ukraine war. The Trump administration does not find this situation acceptable.
Why India-Russia Energy Partnership Has Become a Problem for the US
Russia has become one of the major countries supplying oil to India. Especially after the sanctions imposed on Russia by Western countries, India has prioritized its energy needs while maintaining a diplomatic balance. India has continued trade with Russia, ignoring global pressure.
The US has a problem with this strategy because it wants Russia to be economically isolated. But the purchase of oil from Russia by a large market like India weakens American efforts. That is why Trump is increasing economic pressure on India so that it distances itself from Russia.
Trade Deal Also Became a Reason for Conflict
Another important reason for the tariff dispute is the trade agreement. The US wants India to open its agricultural and dairy sectors to foreign companies. But India is apprehensive about this proposal. In view of India's self-reliance policy and local farmers' interests, it is not ready to accept America's conditions.
This stalemate has also increased Trump's displeasure. The US wants India to adopt an open market policy, while India is emphasizing on maintaining its priorities and strategic autonomy.
India's Strategic Strength with Russia
The relations between India and Russia are decades old. Cooperation between the two countries in areas like defense, space, energy and diplomacy has continuously strengthened. This meeting between Ajit Doval and Putin has taken place at a time when instability has increased in world politics.
