India's NSA Doval in Russia as Trump threatens steep tariffs

Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, has arrived in Russia on a pivotal visit aimed at reinforcing the strategic alliance between Moscow and New Delhi. His presence comes amid rising tensions between Washington and New Delhi over India’s continued purchases of Russian military equipment and oil.

According to a report by The Times of India, although the visit had been scheduled in advance, Doval’s time in Moscow has taken on added urgency due to the current strain in ties with Washington, sparked by President Donald Trump’s scathing remarks regarding India’s relationship with Russia.

The trip is expected to include closed-door meetings with senior Russian security and defence officials, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in regional security, counterterrorism, and energy security.

More from World

Doval, Jaishankar to visit Moscow this month amid Trump’s 'dead economies' criticism and trade penalty Trump's threats unlikely to break India-Russia ties: NSA Doval visits Moscow today

The visit follows closely on the heels of comments by US President Donald Trump, who stated that tariffs on Indian imports would be raised “very substantially” from the current rate of 25% within the next 24 hours, in light of New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

He also criticised India’s trade policy, saying a “zero tariff” offer for imports of US goods into India was insufficient, and accused the country of “fuelling the war” in Ukraine.

Trump’s threats regarding India’s Russian oil imports began on 31 July, when he announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty.