"Thank You, Trump": Russia and India Strengthen Cooperation

The meeting took place a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on Indian exports in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil, Reuters reported.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, with both sides emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and joint efforts to address actual security threats.

“We are committed to further active cooperation in building a fairer and more sustainable world order, as well as in preserving international law,” Shoigu said.

Doval stated that India places high value on its relations with Russia, describing them as “a very well-established strategic partnership.”

The talks were held against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions with Washington.

Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff on goods from India, effective August 28, which will bring the total tariff rate to 50 percent.

The Kremlin accused the United States of exerting “illegal trade pressure” on India and stressed that New Delhi has the sovereign right to trade with any partner it chooses.

During his visit, Doval is also expected to discuss energy and defense cooperation, including purchases of Russian crude oil and the delivery of S-400 missile defense systems.

In 2018, India signed a $5.5 billion agreement with Moscow for five long-range systems, but deliveries have faced repeated delays. The remaining units are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

Although India has increased its reliance on Western suppliers in recent years, it maintains substantial military-technical cooperation with Russia.

Meanwhile, private Indian refiners, such as Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, remain major buyers of Russian oil, even as state imports have slowed due to reduced discounts and U.S. warnings.