Russian president Vladimir Putin and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval convene amid escalating tariff threats by U.S. President Trump
In a significant development, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin last Thursday. The primary focus of the meeting was to strengthen bilateral strategic partnership, defence, and energy ties between the two nations.
Discussions on military-technical cooperation and joint projects in key sectors such as civil aircraft manufacturing, metallurgy, and the chemical industry were also on the agenda. Notably, the talks came amid heightened US-India trade tensions, following the US doubling tariffs on Indian exports due to India’s ongoing crude oil purchases from Russia.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu was also present at the meeting, which reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to continue cooperation despite external pressures. A key outcome of the meeting was Doval extending an official invitation on behalf of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Putin for a visit to India later in 2025, which Putin accepted.
US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, taking the total to 50%. Trump described India as a "friend" but criticised the country for having "among the highest tariffs in the world" and "the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country". Trump announced these tariffs in a post on social media, stating, "You're going to see a lot more. You're going to see so many secondary sanctions."
Trump's tariff threats and sanctions are related to India's continued purchase of oil from Russia amid Trump's escalating pressure on countries to end ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Trump told reporters, "We have a massive trade deficit with India, and they buy a vast majority of their military equipment and energy from Russia."
Despite these challenges, Doval reiterated India's commitment to continue cooperation with Russia. Shoigu, in response, stated that Russia is committed to further active cooperation with India to form a more just and sustainable world order and ensure the supremacy of international law.
The new tariffs are part of Trump's executive order signed on July 31, which imposed new reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on over 70 countries. The tariffs are in line with Trump's firm stand on 'long-standing imbalances in trade practices'.
As the world watches, India and Russia continue to forge ahead with their strategic partnership, preparing the ground for Putin’s upcoming visit to India later this year. Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar accompanied Doval during the meeting, ensuring a smooth and productive dialogue between the two nations.
- The discussion between Ajit Doval and Vladimir Putin included a focus on politics, as they expanded on their nation's defense, energy, and strategic partnership ties.
- The meeting took place amidst war-and-conflicts, with increased US-India trade tensions stemming from the US doubling tariffs on Indian exports due to India’s ongoing crude oil purchases from Russia.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, related to India's continued purchase of oil from Russia amidst Trump's escalating pressure on countries to end their ties with Russia.
- Despite the challenges posed by tariffs and sanctions, both India and Russia maintain a commitment to healthier relationships, working together to build a more just and sustainable world order.
