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Trump's threats unlikely to break India-Russia ties: NSA Doval visits Moscow today
NSA Ajit Doval has a storied career. In his days at the Intelligence Bureau, he's been known to go undercover, with various disguises. File image/PTI
US President Donald Trump's threats of steep tariffs and pressure over India's trade with Russia are unlikely to disrupt the enduring strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Moscow on Tuesday (August 5) to reinforce bilateral ties amid growing pressure from Washington, The Times of India reported.
'We will act in the best interest of Indian consumers and choose the most cost-effective option available. If Russian crude continues to be more affordable than other sources, there's no reason to penalise our citizens,' a senior government official told TOI.
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The official also indicated that India may seek deeper discounts from Moscow in response to Trump's recent remarks.
Doval's visit is expected to offer clarity on India's evolving geopolitical strategy as it navigates a complex energy and security landscape shaped by global supply shifts and strategic realignments.
So far, the Centre has shown no intention of scaling back crude oil imports from Russia, which remain significantly cheaper than supplies from West Asia or the United States. This policy has helped keep domestic fuel prices in check while also benefiting European nations that continue to depend on Indian exports of diesel and aviation fuel, sources said.
Jaishankar's trip also lined up
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also expected to visit Moscow later this month, The Economic Times reported, with his trip likely to take place around mid-August.
These high-level engagements come in the wake of sharp criticism from Donald Trump, who labelled India and Russia as 'dead economies' and announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, along with penalties for countries maintaining strategic trade ties with Moscow.
Senior Indian officials clarified that the proposed measures are aimed at India's deepening energy and defence cooperation with Russia. Since the onset of the Ukraine war, Russian crude oil's share in India's overall imports has surged from just 0.2 per cent to nearly 40 per cent, making India Russia's second-largest oil buyer after China.
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