Amid escalating tensions over India's energy imports from Russia, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has arrived in Moscow for high-level talks. The visit, which was pre-scheduled, has gained significant geopolitical weight following renewed tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump against India. Trump has accused India of profiting from the war in Ukraine by purchasing "massive amounts" of Russian crude oil and reselling it for substantial gains on the open market. In response, he has threatened to substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods entering the United States.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly refuted Trump's accusations, calling the targeting of India "unjustified and unreasonable". The MEA emphasized that India's oil purchases from Russia are driven by national interests and economic security, and that many of the countries criticizing New Delhi are themselves continuing trade with Russia. The ministry also pointed out that India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the conflict in Ukraine began, and that the U.S. had initially supported these imports to stabilize global energy markets.

Doval's visit to Moscow is aimed at reaffirming India's strategic priorities and signaling that New Delhi will continue to defend its energy and security ties with Russia, despite mounting pressure from Washington. He is expected to hold bilateral discussions with his Russian counterpart on regional and global security cooperation. Sources indicate that Doval will likely press for faster delivery of the remaining S-400 air defense systems and review new defense procurements in the pipeline. Expanding defense industry cooperation, including potential procurement of more S-400 missile systems and maintenance infrastructure in India, is also on the agenda.

The visit also serves as an opportunity for India to clarify its strategy on Russian oil imports, particularly amid indications that Moscow may offer greater discounts. India has maintained that it will act in the best interest of Indian consumers and choose the most cost-effective options available. If Russian crude continues to be more affordable than other sources, the government sees no reason to penalize its citizens.

Doval's trip will be followed by a visit from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later this month. Jaishankar's meetings will focus on boosting Indian exports, cooperation in the Arctic, and civil nuclear collaboration. Talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov are also expected.

These high-level engagements come ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's expected trip to India for the annual bilateral summit and coincide with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in China.

India and Russia share a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," which has expanded beyond military ties to include economic, energy, space, and educational cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of $68.7 billion in FY 2024-25. Russia is a major supplier of crude oil, coal, fertilizers, and defense equipment to India, while India exports pharmaceuticals, electronics, iron & steel, tea, and coffee to Russia. Both countries coordinate in BRICS, SCO, and G20 to push for a multipolar global order.

Despite the pressure from the United States, India has emphasized its independent foreign policy and its right to pursue its national interests. The government has signaled a clear refusal to bow to pressure over its energy trade with Moscow, maintaining that national interest and economic security will not be compromised by foreign demands.