Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval at the Kremlin on Thursday, Russia’s state-run RIA news agency reported, citing the Kremlin press service.
The two countries stressed their commitment to a “strategic partnership” during bilateral security talks in Moscow, held a day after US President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on Indian imports in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
On Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from India, taking the total import duty to 50 per cent. The United States has also threatened secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian crude unless Moscow agrees to end the war in Ukraine – now entering its fourth year – by Friday.
The new tariff measure, announced on Wednesday, will come into full effect in two phases: the first 25 per cent hike began on August 7, and the second is scheduled for 21 days later, unless negotiations alter the course.
The move has deepened tensions between Washington and New Delhi, with India calling the decision “unfortunate” and promising to protect its interests.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable” and warned that New Delhi would take “all actions necessary” to defend its economic sovereignty. Washington has also faced accusations of double standards, with critics highlighting its continued imports of Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and fertilisers.