Indian media reported that US President Donald Trump’s threats to India of imposing higher tariffs on Indian goods related to the country’s trade with Russia will not lead to a chill in Russian-Indian relations. The Indian TV channel “Times Now” announced that Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor to the Indian Prime Minister, is expected to visit Moscow this week to strengthen bilateral relations amid increasing pressure from Washington. Doval’s visit will be followed by the Indian Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, visiting Moscow in late August. These high-level meetings come after Trump described India and Russia last week as “dead economies,” and announced a 25% tariff along with threatening sanctions on countries having strategic trade relations with Moscow. Indian officials showed no willingness to reduce their oil imports from Russia despite Trump’s growing pressure. A senior government official told the “Times of India”: “We will act in the interest of Indian consumers and choose the most cost-effective option. If Russian oil remains cheaper than other sources, there is no need to penalize our citizens.” It is worth mentioning that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on August 4, describing US and EU attacks on India’s imports as unjustified, as Western countries have previously encouraged this trade to enhance the stability of global energy markets, and they themselves continue to purchase goods and services from Russia.
