Ajit Doval Moscow Visit Amid Rising Global Tensions

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s trip to Moscow is now crucial. It is after the U.S. issued warnings of higher tariffs on Indian goods.

Doval’s Strategic Visit to Moscow Kicks Off

India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is in Moscow for senior talks with Russian officials. This occur amid increasing tensions about India’s continued oil purchases from Russia. The talks are meant to strengthen defence cooperation between India and Russia. It is also to lay the ground for the Modi-Putin summit that is anticipated for later this year.

The talks are expected to cover a variety of issues including the supply of pending S-400 missile systems, the situation in Afghanistan, and geopolitical tensions regarding Ukraine and U.S. sanctions. Doval’s visit to Moscow is his first since Operation Sindoor. He did work with Russian officials including the Russian NSA at the SCO NSA meeting in Beijing in June.

While Doval was in Moscow, U.S. President Donald Trump issued new threats to impose “very substantial” tariffs on Indian exports (above the current 25%) in retaliation for India’s trade of oil with Russia.

“India’s not a very good trading partner… I probably will increase that [tariff] substantially in the next 24 hours because they purchased Russian oil.”

Trump stated in an interview with CNBC on August 5

This combative position adds uncertainty to the landscape of world diplomacy. It is surrounded by the latest business news where discontent is rising in India because of its changing trading relationships.

China Supports India’s Trade Independence

In response to U.S. threats, the Russian Presidential aide Dmitry Peskov touted India’s independence to chose its trade partners. “Sovereign countries have and do choose their trade partners… independently,” he said.
At the same time, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is being received by President Putin in Moscow, suggesting somebody is getting warmer.

Main Points on the Agenda for India and Russia

At the meetings, Doval will likely focus on several main points:

• Timeline for delivering outstanding S-400 defense systems
• Impact of Western sanctions on India-Russia trade
• Security cooperation in Afghanistan following Russia’s recognition of the Taliban government.

Preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India

The diplomatic visit also provides some impetus for External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to Moscow later this month to follow up on those discussions.

India Responds to tariff threats and sanctions

India took the position that the U.S. and EU sanctions regarding Indian imports of Russian oil do not have valid justifications. On August 4, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a press statement referring to the sanctions as “unjust and unwarranted.”

India has substantially increased Russian oil imports since early 2022—from less than 1% to near the peak level of almost 40% of Indian oil imports—pointing to national interest and energy security.

India remains steadfast in maintaining its strategic independence in trade and energy purchases even in the face of warnings from the U.S., a point Mr. Doval will undoubtedly emphasize in Moscow.

Implications for Business and Trade

The geopolitical strain involving India, Russia and the U.S. has direct effects on global trade and energy markets. The threat of increased tariffs on Indian exports from the U.S. could impact industries such as textiles, IT services, pharma and agriculture.

This event has captivated the attention of economists, traders, and policy analysts who are tracking the latest news on business globally. Where India goes will not only determine its foreign policy application but its trade relations over the short term.

As India navigates through this complicated diplomatic situation, Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow represents a significant movement in balancing global partnerships and safeguarding national interests. With President Trump ramping up pressure, and the bilateral relationship between Russia and India strengthening, the international business community is very interested to see where this will lead next.