National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is currently in Moscow for high-level strategic talks with Russian officials, a visit that has taken on greater significance amid rising tensions between India and the United States over New Delhi's continued import of Russian oil.
While the visit was scheduled as part of regular defence and security cooperation between India and Russia, it now coincides with US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s latest warning of increased tariffs on Indian goods. Trump has accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil and indirectly supporting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In Moscow, Doval is expected to discuss a broad spectrum of bilateral matters, from defence industry cooperation to energy partnerships. According to sources, key topics on the table include potential procurement of additional S-400 missile systems, Su-57 fighter jets, and strengthening India&rsquo;s defence manufacturing ecosystem through local maintenance infrastructure.
Talks are also expected to touch upon preparations for the upcoming Modi-Putin summit, along with coordination on regional security amid shifting global alignments. Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly rejected US and EU criticisms of India&rsquo;s oil imports from Russia, labelling them as unjustified and hypocritical. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the world needs a fair and representative global order, not one dictated by a select few.
India pointed out that while it is being singled out, Western nations continue to trade with Russia. For instance, the EU&rsquo;s trade with Russia stood at $67.5 billion, and the US continues to import uranium and other materials from Moscow.
Doval&rsquo;s Moscow visit underlines India&rsquo;s firm stance on safeguarding its strategic autonomy, reinforcing defence ties with trusted partners, and prioritising national economic security amid global pressure.

NSA Doval's Russia visit gains significance amid US warning on oil trade with Moscow

Ajit Doval in Moscow Amid US Tariff Row

NSA Doval's Russia visit gains significance amid US warning on oil trade with Moscow

August 6, 2025 | 17:13 IST