Amidst American tariff coercion and Trump's outspoken statements, India has sent a strong message of strategic autonomy to the US and the world. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has arrived in Moscow to discuss crude oil and the S-400 missile defense system with Russian officials. In a few days, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also travel to Russia.
These high-profile visits come at a time when the US President continues to threaten India with tariffs, despite already imposing a 25% tariff. On Tuesday, he declared dissatisfaction with India as a trading partner and suggested raising tariffs further.
Trump targets India over crude oil purchasing from Russia, alleging it fuels Russia’s war machine and profits India from market sales.
In response, India is intensifying its diplomatic mission in Russia, reinforcing its independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy by not indicating any reduction in crude oil purchases from Russia. Currently, India sources about 35% to 40% of its crude oil from Russia, making it the second-largest buyer after China.
Notably, following these visits, a proposed visit by Russian President Putin to India is anticipated, although dates remain undecided.
Trump has previously criticized the economies of India and Russia as
