NSA Ajit Doval Meets Putin in Moscow Amid Tariff Row, Discusses Security and Strategic Ties

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin during his visit to Moscow for high-level bilateral talks focused on security, economic cooperation, and energy ties.

The meeting came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a steep 25% additional tariff on Indian imports, effectively raising the total tariff to 50%. The move was linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, which Washington claims helps fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.

India has firmly defended its energy trade with Moscow, stating that oil imports are guided by national interest and market dynamics.

“Very Special Relationship”: Doval

In a video released by Russian state outlet Sputnik News, Doval described India-Russia relations as “very special” and strategically deep-rooted:

“We have got a very special relationship, long relationship, and we highly value our strategic partnership,”
said Doval.
“We have had high-level engagements and these have contributed very substantially.”

He also welcomed the announcement of an upcoming state visit by President Putin to India, saying such summits have always marked “watershed moments” in bilateral ties.

“We are very excited and delighted to learn about the visit of His Excellency, the President of Russia… I think the dates are almost finalized now.”

However, according to ANI sources, no official dates were confirmed during Doval’s engagements in Moscow.

Defence Cooperation and Strategic Planning

India and Russia continue to strengthen their long-standing defence ties. Notably, in 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion deal for five squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defence system. As of now, three squadrons have been delivered.

During his Moscow visit, Doval also held key talks with Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council. The two discussed ways to bolster the “special and privileged strategic partnership”, with a focus on:

• Preparing for the upcoming bilateral summit

• Enhancing international security cooperation

• Aligning efforts in multilateral forums

Broader Strategic Context

Doval’s visit — against the backdrop of the U.S. tariff escalation — signals India’s intent to preserve strategic autonomy while reinforcing time-tested ties with Russia. The developments also highlight the increasing complexity of global diplomacy, as India balances its partnerships amid geopolitical tensions between Washington and Moscow.