Image Source: NDTV
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s high-profile visit to Moscow in August 2025 coincided with escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, following Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports due to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Doval’s engagements underscored the deep and enduring India-Russia strategic partnership, while addressing key issues including defence cooperation, energy ties, and diplomatic coordination.
Key Highlights: Doval’s Moscow Visit and High-Level Engagements
NSA Ajit Doval held intensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, and other senior officials to reinforce bilateral cooperation in defence, energy security, and strategic alignment.
During the Kremlin meeting, both India and Russia reaffirmed their “special and privileged strategic partnership,” emphasizing mutual respect and the importance of this alliance amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
Doval announced that the dates for President Putin’s highly anticipated visit to India later this year are “almost finalised,” signaling a major diplomatic milestone expected to further strengthen ties.
These discussions took place shortly after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising cumulative tariffs on India to 50% as a penalty for India’s sustained Russian oil imports, a move India counters by asserting its national interests and market dynamics drive energy procurement.
Strategic and Defence Cooperation with a Focus on S-400 Systems
Doval’s talks with Shoigu focused on expanding defence cooperation with special attention to the delivery of the remaining two regiments of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems, crucial for India’s national security and recently deployed effectively during military operations.
India had signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five S-400 squadrons from Russia, of which three have been delivered; timely delivery of the remaining units is vital to sustain India’s advanced defence capabilities.
The bilateral dialogue also involved reviewing ongoing joint military exercises, defence technology transfers, and intelligence sharing arrangements to address common security challenges, particularly terrorism.
Energy Partnership Amid Western Sanctions
Russia has emerged as India’s top energy supplier since the imposition of Western sanctions on Russian crude following the conflict in Ukraine.
India’s energy imports from Russia grew significantly, reaching $56 billion in the 2024–25 financial year, illustrating the scale and importance of this economic relationship against the backdrop of global energy volatility.
Doval’s visit underscored the strategic necessity of energy cooperation, with India emphasizing sovereignty in foreign policy decisions amid external pressures such as US sanctions and tariffs.
Geopolitical Context and Diplomatic Significance
The meetings conveyed the resilience of the India-Russia strategic partnership amid tumultuous global geopolitical shifts, including Western sanctions on Russia and calls by the US for nations to reduce ties with Moscow.
Russia’s leadership signaled continued support for India’s development goals and security aspirations, framing the relationship as a counterbalance to emerging global uncertainties.
Doval’s Moscow engagement is a part of India’s broader diplomatic strategy to maintain balanced relations with key global powers including the US and Russia.
Outlook: President Putin’s Upcoming India Visit and Future Cooperation
The scheduling of President Putin’s visit to India is slated for late 2025, with discussions aiming to deepen cooperation across strategic, defence, economic, and cultural domains.
The summit-level engagement between the two leaders is expected to set the tone for a new phase of India-Russia coordination and potentially result in agreements strengthening bilateral ties.
Both sides anticipate increasing collaborative initiatives in sectors such as technology, energy infrastructure, counterterrorism, and regional security architectures including forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Conclusion
NSA Ajit Doval’s meetings in Moscow amid the imposition of US 50% tariffs on Indian imports have solidified India’s steadfast commitment to its “old, strategic and privileged” partnership with Russia. Despite facing international pressures, India and Russia reaffirmed their alliance as a pillar of stability in an unpredictable world. The near-finalisation of President Putin’s India visit signals a forthcoming diplomatic crescendo that will further institutionalize deep-rooted cooperation in defence, energy, and geopolitical resilience, underlining India’s pursuit of sovereign and balanced global relations.
Sources: NDTV, The New Indian Express
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