National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Russia to hold high-level discussions on energy and defence cooperation, ahead of Russian President Vladimir
Putin's scheduled visit to India later this year. Doval’s trip comes amid tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions on Moscow. On Wednesday, United States President Donald Trump announced an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total duty to 50 per cent, in response to India’s energy ties with Russia. India has defended its energy trade with Russia, saying it is guided by national interest and market factors. People familiar with the visit said Doval is expected to discuss the impact of Western sanctions, oil imports, and ongoing defence projects during meetings with top Russian officials, reports PTI. Russia has become India’s top supplier of crude oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions by the West. Doval is also likely to push for the expedited delivery of the remaining two regiments of the S-400 air defence system. India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five squadrons of the S-400 Triumf system, which is capable of tracking and neutraliaing multiple aerial threats. So far, three squadrons have been delivered. The two sides are expected to firm up details for President Putin’s proposed visit later this year for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
