Moscow Meeting Planned for Jaishankar Amidst US Trade Tensions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on August 21, as confirmed by MFA Russia. This meeting is taking place as India and Russia focus on strengthening their strategic partnership, especially in light of the US decision to increase tariffs on Indian imports. The US justified these tariffs by pointing to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, which the US believes is funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. Last week, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, just after the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports, subsequently raised to 50%. While the specifics of the meeting were not disclosed, footage from the Kremlin showed Putin and Doval together. Putin’s visit to India is anticipated before the end of 2025. To further clarify India’s position, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict and expressing its readiness to contribute to this effort, while also looking to enhance its relationship with Ukraine.