Ajit Doval Russia visit: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss strategic partnership and defence and security cooperation between the two countries, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing its sources. As per the report, this is Doval’s scheduled visit, wherein the main agenda will centre around defence cooperation between India and Russia. However, an official statement from the Indian government is still awaited.
Why is Doval’s Russia visit crucial?
The crucial visit of Doval came at a time when US President Donald Trump turned critical of India’s import of Russian oil. It is expected that Doval would discuss the oil import issue with Moscow. “The current escalation of the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. Apart from that, the topics will include such pressing matters as supplies of Russian oil [to India],” TASS quoted a source saying.
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Trump’s critical stand against India
Earlier on Tuesday, US President announced that he would “substantially raise” tariffs on India within the next 24 hours over its purchase of Russian oil. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!” Trump had said in a post on Truth Social on Monday.
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India rejects Trump’s claim
The US President’s statement was strongly rejected by India, with the Ministry of External Affairs calling the targeting of India “unjustified and unreasonable.” In a detailed response, India said its imports from Russia were based on market needs and energy security, especially after Western nations diverted traditional supplies to Europe following the Ukraine conflict. “In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.
(With inputs from agency)