During his visit to Moscow, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the United States’ 25% tariff on Indian energy imports from Russia, calling it “very perplexing.” He noted that US officials, including President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Trade Advisor Peter Navarro, had previously urged India to help stabilize global energy markets, including purchasing Russian oil.
Jaishankar emphasized that India is not the largest buyer of Russian oil or LNG, pointing out that China and the European Union have higher purchases. He also highlighted that India continues to import oil from the US and is committed to a balanced energy strategy.
In Moscow, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin. Both sides reaffirmed strong India-Russia ties, emphasizing energy cooperation, trade, and investment. Lavrov highlighted joint projects in energy extraction, including the Russian Far East and Arctic shelf.
Jaishankar discussed expanding bilateral trade, improving India’s exports to Russia, and addressing non-tariff barriers. Key export sectors include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles. Fertilizer supply and skilled Indian workforce participation in IT, engineering, and construction projects were also raised.
Connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor, and the Northern Sea Route were discussed to reduce transit times and expand trade across Eurasia.
On defence, Jaishankar reaffirmed strong military-technical cooperation, support for India’s Make in India initiative, and the importance of equipment like the S-400 air defence system. He also addressed counter-terrorism collaboration and the status of Indians serving in the Russian Army, urging the Russian side to resolve pending cases.
India and Russia also discussed regional and global issues, including Ukraine, West Asia, Afghanistan, UN Security Council reforms, and cooperation in G20, BRICS, and SCO. Jaishankar highlighted the need to fast-track Indian consulates in Kazan and Yekaterinburg to strengthen regional ties.
The meetings underscore India’s commitment to a balanced energy policy, deepening India-Russia relations, and strategic cooperation across trade, defence, and connectivity.
Nisham Ismail 
Leslie Rajan