NSA Ajit Doval, EAM Jaishankar plan trips to Russia in August: Report

Amid US President Donald Trump's demand to reduce oil imports from Russia and threatening penalties if New Delhi failed to do so, India is reportedly planning two high-level visits to Moscow later this month. The visit, is seen as a reaffirmation of continuance of steady ties between two friendly nations.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are planning to visit Moscow this month, according to a report by The Economic Times. While Doval could visit Moscow in early part of this month, Jaishankar is planning a trip to Russia mid-August, the same report added.

Trump has sharply criticized India and Russia, labeling them as "dead economies" and expressing a lack of interest in trade relations. He announced a 25% tariff on India and additional penalties for strategic trade with Russia. Trump claimed minimal business with India due to high tariffs and dismissed trade with Russia, warning Medvedev to be cautious. This remark came hours after the he announced a new 25% tariff on India and an additional penalty for continuing strategic trade with Russia.

Senior government officials said the penalty imposed alongside the new tariff relates specifically to India’s increasing energy and defence trade with Russia.