NSA Ajit Doval Holds Talks with Russian President Putin in Moscow

Quick Summary

• NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on August 7, 2025.
• A video released by the Kremlin shows Mr. Doval shaking hands with mr. Putin before holding talks.
• Earlier in Moscow, Mr. Doval held discussions with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.
• The visit focused on bilateral energy and defense ties, and also preparations for vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India later this year.
• The trip coincided with U.S.President Donald Trump issuing an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff (now totaling 50%) on Indian goods due to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Indian opinion Analysis

Ajit Doval’s engagements in Moscow highlight India’s continued emphasis on strengthening bilateral relations with Russia amidst geopolitical complexities. Cooperation around energy and defense remains a cornerstone of India-Russia ties,supplemented by personal diplomacy efforts like facilitating high-level visits.

Together, the backdrop of escalating U.S.-India trade tensions-exemplified by heightened tariffs linked to Indian oil purchases from Russia-underscores challenges that India faces in balancing strategic autonomy while navigating competitive global power dynamics.

the implications for India’s foreign policy are important: while reinforcing historical partnerships like that with Russia provides stability and leverage, it risks frictions in relations with other key partners such as the U.S. Balancing these interests will require deft diplomacy going forward.Read more: Source