India Strengthens Ties with Russia Amid US Tariff Challenges
Strengthening India-Russia Relations
In an effort to bolster the relationship between India and Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on August 21, as announced by the Russian Foreign Ministry on social media. The two nations have been working to enhance their strategic partnership following the recent imposition of higher tariffs on Indian imports by the United States, which was linked to India's ongoing purchases of Russian crude oil. The U.S. has argued that these transactions are contributing to Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
FM Sergey #Lavrov's schedule:
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) August 13, 2025
🗓 On August 21, FM Sergey #Lavrov will hold talks with FM of India @DrSJaishankar in Moscow.
The Ministers will discuss key issues on our bilateral agenda, as well as key aspects of cooperation within international frameworks.#RussiaIndia pic.twitter.com/ck4qG1Z14P
Just last week, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, shortly after President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports as a reaction to India's crude oil dealings with Russia. This tariff was later increased to 50%.
The Kremlin's official channels shared footage of Doval's handshake with Putin, although details of their discussions were not made public. Doval indicated that President Putin is expected to visit India by the end of 2025.
India's Position on the Ukraine Conflict
To clarify India's stance on the ongoing conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This conversation aimed to emphasize India's commitment to a peaceful resolution.
Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 11, 2025
During their discussion, Modi reiterated the importance of achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Russia and expressed India's readiness to contribute positively while also seeking to strengthen relations with Ukraine.