Amid US Tensions, NSA Ajit Doval Lands in Moscow to Bolster Ties with Russia
India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, has arrived in Moscow for a high-stakes visit aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Russia. The trip takes on heightened geopolitical significance as it comes amidst a deepening diplomatic spat with the United States over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil and defence equipment.
While the visit was reportedly planned in advance, US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against India has cast it in a new light. Doval is expected to engage in closed-door discussions with senior Russian security and defence officials, with the agenda likely covering regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and energy security.
The visit is a clear signal of India’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with Moscow, despite mounting pressure from Washington.
Doval’s trip follows days of sharp exchanges triggered by Trump, who accused India of “profiting” from Russian oil and “fueling the war machine” in Ukraine. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, the US President threatened to impose a steep hike in tariffs on Indian goods. India’s Ministry of External Affairs hit back strongly, dismissing Trump’s remarks as “politically motivated, unjustified and unreasonable.”
The MEA underlined that India’s energy policy is driven by national interest and market stability, while pointing out that many Western nations, including the US, have more extensive trade ties with Russia. Underscoring the consistent engagement between the two nations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also slated to travel to Russia later this month.
