India's EAM Jaishankar Begins 3-Day Russia Visit Amid US Tariff Tensions

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has embarked on a three-day official visit to Russia from August 19 to 21, 2025, aimed at strengthening the longstanding India-Russia strategic partnership. During the visit, he will co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation and meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral and global issues, including the Trump administration's peace initiatives for Ukraine. The visit occurs amid heightened tensions between India and the United States, following President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, which includes an additional 25% penalty specifically targeting India's purchase of Russian crude oil. Prior to this, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to visit India by the end of 2025, signaling a deepening of India-Russia ties despite US pressures. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the visit seeks to further bolster the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two nations, underscoring New Delhi’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Moscow despite strained US relations. The US has also reportedly pulled back from the sixth round of bilateral trade negotiations with India, reflecting the ongoing trade tensions tied to these geopolitical dynamics.