Kumar Bahukhandi
Ajit Doval will talk to Russia on crude oil and S-400. (File Photo: kremlin.ru)
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has arrived on a visit to Russia at a time when the world’s geo-political situation is very delicate. The US President is threatening India and Russia. In such a situation, Ajit Doval will face the challenge of establishing a balance between the US and Russia in terms of India’s interests.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has reached Moscow amidst President Trump’s threats to impose heavy tariffs on India for buying crude oil from Russia. During this time Ajit Doval will meet senior strategists of the Russian government. Ajit Doval may also meet President Putin.
According to Russian news agency TASS, Ajit Doval will discuss with Russian leaders about improving strategic partnership and mutual relations. Ajit Doval’s visit to Russia is taking place at a very delicate geopolitical time.
At present, US President Trump is angry at India buying crude oil from Russia. He has given two threats simultaneously. Trump has said that India is funding Russia’s Ukraine war by buying crude oil from Moscow. Therefore, India should stop buying crude oil from Russia. Otherwise, America will impose heavy tariffs on India.
Along with this, Trump has also asked Russia to declare a ceasefire in the Ukraine war soon. Trump has said that if Russia does not ceasefire, then America will impose strict sanctions. Ajit Doval’s visit to Russia is taking place in such a tense environment. Although his visit was pre-scheduled. But the current environment has made this visit even more important. According to Russian news agency TASS, this is a pre-scheduled visit. Its agenda will focus on defense cooperation between India and Russia. Sources say, “The current tension in the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. Apart from this, important issues like supply of Russian oil to India will also be included in it.”
According to Moscow Times, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will also visit Russia later this month.
It is worth noting that US President Donald Trump has alleged that India is helping Russia’s war machine by buying crude oil from Russia. Because of this, many people are dying in Ukraine. Earlier, Trump had announced a 25 percent tariff on India. Later Trump said that ‘India is not a good trade partner, so we do not do much business with them. We had decided to impose a 25 percent tariff on them but I think in the next 24 hours we are going to impose a much higher tariff on them.’
On Trump’s allegations of buying oil from Russia, India showed the mirror to America and said that America itself is doing bumper business with Russia.
A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India said that “like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security.” The Ministry of External Affairs said that when Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, America wanted India to buy cheap Russian oil, so that energy prices remain stable in the international market.
Talks on S-400 also possible According to a report in The Economic Times, Ajit Doval can also talk about the defense deal with his Russian counterpart in this visit. Further purchase of S-400 missile defense system by India, its maintenance is also included in the agenda of this conversation. Let us tell you that India and Russia are big defense partners. India has signed a deal to buy 5 S-400 missile defense systems from Russia in October 2018. Its cost is around Rs 40,000 crore. Out of this, India has received 3 batteries of S-400. It has been deployed in the country.
The delivery of the remaining two S-400 squadrons is getting delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the latest information, their delivery can be done by August 2026. S-400 has played a major role in thwarting the attacks of Pakistani missiles and drones during Operation Sindoor.
