Ajit Doval in Moscow: NSA to hold talks on key defence issues, Trump’s relentless tariff strategy

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who is in Moscow for his annual meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, is expected to partake in wide-ranging talks involving key defence matters and contemplate on possible mechanisms to circumvent tariffs imposed by the US on India. US President Trump’s latest action is expected to dominate talks, including the supply of Russian oil.

Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order doubling India tariff to 50 per cent, announcing an additional 25 per cent duties over Russian oil purchase.

The talks will primarily focus on expanding defence industry ties, including purchase of additional S-400 missile defence systems and dialogue on Su-57 fighter jets. Besides the possible purchase of additional S-400 missile systems, the talks could include setting up S-400 MRO facilities in India and exploring options for acquiring Russia's Su-57 fighter jets, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The S-400 systems played a key role in Operation Sindoor, where they reportedly intercepted multiple Pakistan Air Force fighter jets and airborne early warning aircraft. Notably, one system achieved a record by hitting an aircraft over 300 kilometres away, highlighting its long-range strike capability.

Doval's visit is reportedly intended to prepare details for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Delhi later this year. However, President Trump’s latest action is expected to dominate talks, including the issue of  supply of Russian oil.

“The current escalation of the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. Apart from that, the topics will include such pressing matters as supplies of Russian oil [to India],” Russia’s official TASS agency reported.

According to several media reports, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Moscow later this month. Jaishankar's visit had been delayed for several years due to the Ukraine conflict which began in February 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Moscow last July, reviving the summit after a gap of three years.

Since 2022, India increased its oil imports from Russia, defying pleas from European countries to stop increasing Russian revenues, from procuring less than a per cent of its imports from Russia, to nearly 40% of its oil at its peak.