Russia and India Strengthen Strategic Ties in Moscow Amid US Tariff Hike
Russia and India reaffirmed their commitment to a strategic partnership during bilateral security talks in Moscow, which took place after the US announced tariff increases on Indian imports due to purchases of Russian oil.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Reuters and The United News of India.
Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia's security service, called for further strengthening of security cooperation between India and Russia amid New Delhi's ongoing trade dispute with the US over Russian oil purchases and economic sanctions imposed by Donald Trump's administration.
On Thursday, the Russian Security Council secretary held talks with his Indian counterpart, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who is in Moscow to discuss security and defense issues between the Kremlin and New Delhi.
“Russia and India are linked by strong, trusting, time-tested bonds of friendship,” Shoigu told Doval. “For our country, the comprehensive strengthening of the special privileged strategic partnership with India, based on mutual respect, equal consideration of each other’s interests and the desire to advance a unifying agenda, is of paramount importance,” he added.
The Trump administration's imposition of additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods, which took effect on August 28, marked the most serious deterioration in US-India trade relations since the start of his presidency, threatening Indian exports to its largest market. At the same time, India and China remain the main buyers of Russian crude oil, causing tension with the West, which seeks to restrict the Russian economy due to its invasion of Ukraine.
“Our relationship with Russia has never been as contentious to the U.S. as it is now,” said Pankaj Saran, a former Indian ambassador to Russia. According to Saran, Trump’s efforts to distance India from Russia could face a significant challenge due to India’s deeply rooted conviction that its friendships should extend beyond just Western countries.
It is supposed that Doval’s talks with Russian officials will mainly focus on counterterrorism, defense cooperation, including the purchase of S-400 systems and Su-57 fighter jets, as well as collaboration in energy, fertilizers, and other commodities.
India has signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia to supply five S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to counter threats from China, but deliveries are delayed, with the last two systems expected in 2026–2027. Although New Delhi has traditionally relied on Russian weapons, it has recently significantly reduced its imports, shifting its focus to Western suppliers.
The Gaze informed earlier that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded firmly to US tariff threats by encouraging support for domestic manufacturing, while the Indian government remains committed to continuing its oil purchases from Russia.