Indias National Security Adviser Dovals Strategic Moscow Trip Amid U.S. Tariff Concerns

Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser of India, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Indian exports due to India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, as reported by various Indian and Russian media outlets on Tuesday.

An unnamed source informed Russia’s state news agency TASS that Doval is anticipated to hold “multiple meetings” with Russian officials on Thursday. Indian media reports suggest that Doval aims to outline New Delhi’s position on its imports of Russian oil, especially as there are indications that Moscow may propose more attractive discounts.

Additionally, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is expected to travel to Russia later this month.

Trump has warned of a significant increase in tariffs on Indian products, accusing New Delhi of “fueling the war machine” by purchasing Russian oil at reduced prices and profiting from its resale.

India has dismissed these threats as “unjustified and unreasonable.”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated on Monday, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, India has opted not to impose sanctions on Russian oil, and it has become the second-largest importer of Russian crude oil after China.

Between January and June, India imported an average of 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian seaborne crude, ranking as the highest among foreign buyers, according to Reuters.