In a week of growing tension between India and the United States, Indian officials have confirmed a major diplomatic development: Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India at the end of 2025. The announcement was made by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during a key visit to Moscow.
Doval’s trip comes at a time when India is dealing with major diplomatic pressure from Washington. President Donald Trump recently signed an order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, doubling the existing rate to a steep 50%. These new duties are set to take effect in late August, and the Indian government is not happy.
In a sharply worded statement, India’s Foreign Ministry condemned the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The ministry noted that India’s oil imports from Russia are based on market factors and the urgent need to maintain energy security for 1.4 billion people.
India has made it clear that it will not be bullied into changing its trade policies. The country insists that it has every right to choose its trading partners based on its national interest, especially when it comes to energy needs.
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The situation has worsened over recent weeks as U.S. officials accuse India of “effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine” by buying large amounts of Russian oil. India strongly rejects these claims, stating that its energy decisions are not political but rooted in the economic needs of its people.
Since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, Russia has become India’s largest crude oil supplier. In return, India has been exporting refined petroleum products, many made from Russian crude, to buyers in Europe, including some U.S. allies. This double standard has not gone unnoticed in New Delhi.
Earlier this week, India pointed out the hypocrisy of Western nations, especially the U.S. and EU. While they criticize India for maintaining ties with Moscow, they continue doing business with Russia themselves, often at higher volumes.
President Trump has taken things a step further by threatening to impose 100% tariffs on any country that continues to trade with Russia unless Moscow agrees to a major peace deal with Ukraine. In response, Russia stated that sovereign countries have every right to choose their own economic partners without foreign pressure.
As tensions rise, India and Russia are moving closer together. During the 11th India-Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation, held in New Delhi, both sides discussed deepening economic ties. Key areas of focus included rare earths, aircraft manufacturing, railways, and carbon fiber technology.
Officials from both countries also explored new opportunities in coal gasification, industrial infrastructure, and wind tunnel facilities. The meeting ended with a signed protocol, reinforcing the commitment to their “special privileged strategic partnership.”
While India is being penalized for buying oil from Russia, it is also looking to strengthen its defense capabilities with Moscow’s help. During his Moscow visit, NSA Ajit Doval is expected to discuss the purchase of additional S-400 missile systems from Russia. India already owns three, with two more on order. These advanced air defense systems were reportedly used during military tensions with Pakistan in May.
Doval’s visit follows his last trip to Russia in September 2024, where he met with President Putin. At that time, Putin praised India’s economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and noted the increasing strength of the two countries’ partnership.
Putin said, “Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about. We are also pleased to see India’s success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
Following Doval’s Moscow stop, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is also expected to visit the Russian capital soon for more high-level discussions with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
With Trump’s tariff war intensifying and India refusing to back down, the world is watching closely. The confirmed Putin visit to India in late 2025 signals that the India-Russia alliance is far from weakening, in fact, it appears to be getting even stronger.
India is not just defending its economic interests. It is also sending a loud message to Washington: We won’t be pushed around.
