NSA Doval, Russia’s Deputy PM Discuss Military-Technical Cooperation

Swift Summary

• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Moscow, Russia, to discuss enhanced bilateral cooperation.
• He held talks with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov on August 9, 2025.
• Discussions covered military-technical ties and joint projects in fields such as civil aircraft manufacturing, metallurgy, and the chemical industry.
• On August 7, Mr. Doval met Russian President vladimir Putin at the Kremlin to discuss New Delhi-Moscow relations and reiterated India’s commitment to partnership despite external pressure.
• U.S. President Donald Trump recently imposed additional tariffs (now totaling 50%) on Indian goods as a response to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
• Mr. Doval invited President Putin on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit to India later this year; this invitation was accepted by mr.Putin.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Ajit Doval’s visit underscores India’s continued focus on strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia by expanding cooperation in defense and other critical sectors like manufacturing and chemicals amidst changing global dynamics. This is especially important given rising geopolitical tensions stemming from sanctions pressures by Western powers lead by the United States.

The doubling of tariffs by President Donald Trump highlights the economic repercussions India faces due to its independent foreign policy choices regarding energy security-especially its willingness to import oil from sanctioned nations like Russia for economic considerations.

India finds itself balancing between traditional alliances like those with Russia and emerging economic relations with nations like the U.S., necessitating calibrated diplomacy that safeguards both sovereignty in policymaking and long-term national interests.

Read more: NSA Ajit Doval’s Visit Highlights