New Delhi
Amidst American Dadagiri, Trump’s huge statements on Tariff, India has given a message of strategic autonomy to the world including the US. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has reached Moscow to talk on crude oil, S-400 missile defense system with Russia. In the next few days, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also going to visit Russia. These two high profile trips from India are taking place when the US President is constantly threatening tariffs to India. Trump’s threat is coming when he has imposed a 25 percent tariff on India. After this, on Tuesday, he said that India is not a good trading partner and they will increase the tariff even more on India. Trump’s objection is on the purchase of crude oil from Russia, India. Trump alleges that India is not only running the war machine of Russia but is also earning a profit by selling this oil in the market.
In this hour, India has made its diplomatic mission very active in Russia. India, showing independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy on oil purchases from Russia, has not given a message from anywhere that it will no longer buy crude oil from Russia. India currently buys 35 to 40 percent of its needs from Russia. India is the second major buyer of Russia’s crude oil after China.
It is worth noting that Russian President Putin’s visit to India is also proposed only after NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Russia. However, its date is not yet decided. Let us know that Trump has described the economies of India and Russia as dead economy. Russia dismissed the tariff threats being given by Trump to India and said that these are ‘illegal commercial pressure’.
Kremlin spokesman Dimitri Peskov said, “We hear many statements that actually have threats and efforts to force countries to break up business relations with Russia. We do not consider such statements valid. Sovereign countries should have the right to choose their partners in business and economic cooperation based on their interests.” On Monday night, the Ministry of India reacted sharply to the US threats, saying “It is unfair and indispensable to target India. The Ministry of External Affairs said,” India will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests and economic security. “
Major points of discussion between Doval and Russian Leadership
The visit of Doval and Jaishankar amid Trump’s threats gives a clear message of strategic autonomy of India and strengthening the long -term partnership with Russia. These issues are expected to discuss these issues on the visit of these two leaders on Russia. Defense Cooperation: Ajit Doval will hold talks on defense industry cooperation with Russian counterparts. It may discuss the purchase of additional S-400 missile system, installation of infrastructure required for its maintenance in India and the purchase of Russian SU-57 fighter jets. Supply of Russian oil: Global geophysical stress and supply of Russian oil will also be discussed in this tour. India imports about 35 to 40 percent of crude oil from Russia. This figure was only 0.2% before the Russia-Ukraine War. The low price of Russian oil has helped India to keep domestic fuel prices stable and support global supply chains.
India insisted that it would give priority to its national interests and economic security. India has said that we will give priority to the interests of our consumers. If Russian crude oil is cheaper than other sources, why should we punish our citizens. Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) also said that India’s Russian oil trade has been transparent and helps to stabilize global supply chains. Preparation of Modi-Putin Summit: This journey is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India and preparations for the upcoming India-Russia Summit.
India gave a message of strategic autonomy
Doval and Jaishankar’s Moscow visits give a strong message of India’s independent foreign policy and strategic autonomy. The relations between India and Russia have been going on since 1947 and the summit is held every year since the Strategic Partnership Treaty in 2000. From 2021, both countries also hold 2+2 talks (joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers). Even during the Russia-Ukraine War, India has avoided voting against Russia in the United Nations Security Council.
Despite Trump’s threats, India has clarified that it will maintain its strategic partnership with Russia, it is not only limited to oil trade but also includes cooperation in defense, energy and high-technology sectors. Russia has also supported the right to choose India’s business partner, calling it the fundamental right of sovereign countries.
