Ajit Doval on Russia Visit. US Expresses Displeasure over India's Oil Purchases from Russia. The visit will include discussions on defense, energy, and strategic balance.
NSA Ajit Doval Russia Visit: India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has arrived in Russia at a time when global geopolitical conditions are highly sensitive. US President Donald Trump has threatened both India and Russia with heavy tariffs and sanctions. Amidst this, Doval's visit is considered strategically very important for India, involving discussions on oil trade, defense agreements, and global balance.
Doval's Russia Visit Amid US Threats
India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is currently in Moscow, the capital of Russia. This visit is taking place at a time when tensions between the US and Russia are at their peak, and India is trying to maintain a balance in its relations with both countries. US President Donald Trump has recently taken a b stance against India for buying crude oil from Russia. He has warned India that if it continues to purchase oil from Russia, it will face heavy tariffs.
Warning to India, Pressure on Russia
Donald Trump has threatened both India and Russia simultaneously. He stated that by buying oil from Russia at cheaper rates, India is indirectly funding the Ukraine war. Trump warned that if India does not stop this purchase, the US could impose tariffs of more than 25 percent on India. Along with this, he told Russia to declare a ceasefire in the Ukraine war as soon as possible. Otherwise, the US is ready to impose even stricter sanctions on Russia.
Discussion on Strategic Partnership
According to the Russian official news agency TASS, Ajit Doval will meet with senior Russian strategists and government officials. It is likely that he may also meet with President Vladimir Putin. This meeting will likely involve discussions on strengthening strategic partnerships, advancing defense cooperation, and issues like energy security.
India's Position on Oil and Tariffs
India has reacted bly to the US accusations. The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that India prioritizes its energy security and will not come under any kind of external pressure. India also reminded that when Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, the US itself wanted India to buy cheap Russian oil so that oil prices remained stable in the international market.
Discussion on S-400 Missile Defense System Also Possible
Defense cooperation has been b between India and Russia for a long time. According to a report by The Economic Times, Ajit Doval, along with his Russian counterpart, may also discuss the S-400 missile defense system deal, maintenance, and delivery.
In October 2018, India signed a deal with Russia to purchase 5 S-400 missile defense systems, with a total cost of approximately 40,000 crore rupees. Of these, 3 batteries have been received by India and have also been deployed. The delivery of the remaining two squadrons is currently delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war. According to information, these squadrons may be delivered to India by August 2026. The S-400 system played a crucial role in thwarting missile and drone attacks from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar Will Also Visit Russia
Following Doval's visit, India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar may also visit Russia this month. According to a report by The Moscow Times, this visit is to further strengthen India-Russia bilateral relations. This makes it clear that India, despite US pressure, is committed to maintaining its strategic and trade relations with Russia.
