External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Visit Russia. Trade War Looming Between US and India Over Oil Purchases from Russia. NSA Ajit Doval Visited Previously. Discussions on Energy and Defence Cooperation to Take Place.
New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will visit Russia. This visit is occurring at a time when a trade war is feared between the United States and India over oil purchases from Russia. Prior to this, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval visited Russia and met with President Vladimir Putin.
Potential India-US Trade War
The United States is keeping a close watch on India regarding oil imports from Russia. There have been indications of tension in trade relations between the two countries due to Trump's tariff policy. In such a situation, Jaishankar's visit is considered important. The US may exert pressure on India for potential sanctions on buying oil from Russia.
S. Jaishankar's Russia Visit
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a post on social media platform X, stated that on August 21, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in Moscow. The two ministers will discuss key issues on the bilateral agenda and important aspects of cooperation within the international framework.
Significance of Ajit Doval's Recent Visit
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Russia last week for two days. During this time, he met with President Vladimir Putin. He also held talks with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council. Energy and defence sectors were discussed in this meeting.
Putin's Visit to India
Ajit Doval confirmed that President Putin will visit India by the end of the year. This is expected to further strengthen energy, defence, and trade relations between India and Russia.
Discussions on Energy and Defence Relations
Energy and defence cooperation between India and Russia has been b for a long time. In this visit, both countries also discussed new projects and new areas of cooperation. Special attention was given to ensuring that there are no disruptions in the supply of crude oil and gas from Russia to India.
Jaishankar's visit is an opportunity to further advance the strategic relations between India and Russia. Amid US pressure and the international trade war, India is trying to strike a balance in its foreign policy. This visit is also important from the perspective of India's global energy security and defence strategy.
Balance in India's Foreign Policy
India has always maintained a balance in its foreign relations. Despite increasing energy and defence cooperation with Russia, a policy of strengthening relations with the United States and other Western countries is also being pursued. Jaishankar's visit is considered part of this strategy. Global trade has come under pressure due to Trump's tariff policy. India wants to meet its domestic energy needs by purchasing oil from Russia, while the US is monitoring this.
