In the midst of growing economic tensions between the United States and India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin is a crucial diplomatic move.
The talks came a day after US President Donald Trump raised the overall tariff burden to 50% by imposing an additional 25% on Indian exports. This was a direct response to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, which Washington strongly criticized but New Delhi saw as essential to maintaining energy security.
In the midst of growing economic tensions between the United States and India, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin is a crucial diplomatic move.
The talks came a day after US President Donald Trump raised the overall tariff burden to 50% by imposing an additional 25% on Indian exports. This was a direct response to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, which Washington strongly criticized but New Delhi saw as essential to maintaining energy security.
The expansion of energy partnerships, global security issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for both countries’ foreign policy goals, and advanced defense collaboration (with ongoing discussion around systems like the S-400 and potential acquisition of Su-57 stealth fighter jets) are anticipated to be on the agenda.
The dramatically rising tariff conflict with the US, in which President Trump’s administration has defended additional duties on India as a punishment for allegedly evading Western sanctions against Russia through energy imports, serves as the backdrop for these high-level discussions.
In the event that India’s energy plan persists, Trump has also hinted at additional severe actions, such as possible secondary sanctions. Prime Minister Modi and other Indian leaders have openly expressed a commitment to safeguarding national interests. Modi has said he is prepared to “pay a personal price to protect the farmers of India,” alluding to US tariffs that disproportionately affect Indian exporters in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
The declarations made by both leaders and the planning for Putin’s impending visit demonstrate India and Russia’s determination to protect their shared interests and strategic independence in the face of increased economic and diplomatic pressure. In a complicated international order marked by forceful US trade and sanctions policies, the developments point to a broader relationship centered in defense, energy, and regional security.
