Following U.S. tariff hikes on Indian goods—linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil—India and Russia reaffirmed their “strategic partnership” during high-level security talks in Moscow. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Russian counterpart Shoigu finalized plans for Putin’s upcoming visit to India, emphasizing defense industry collaboration and counter-terrorism cooperation. U.S.–India tensions deepened, with India under threat of tariffs up to 50% on its exports. Modi retorted with a firm “Make in India” stance and reaffirmed India’s sovereign right to continue buying Russian oil. Putin has accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India in 2025, likely in the second half of the year. While initial speculation pointed to late August, official sources clarified that the visit’s exact timing is still being finalized and “end-of-year” remains more accurate.
NSA Doval described summit-level meetings as “watershed moments” expected to further shape the trajectory of bilateral relations.
