India’s Top Diplomats to Visit Moscow Amid US Tariff Threats

In a significant diplomatic move, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are scheduled to visit Moscow, Russia, in the coming days. The visit comes at a time when India is facing intense pressure from the US over trade tariffs, with President Donald Trump threatening to impose higher duties on Indian goods. The US has been demanding that India reduce its trade deficit and open up its markets to American companies. However, India has been resisting these demands, citing concerns over the impact on its domestic industries. The visit to Moscow is seen as an attempt by India to diversify its diplomatic engagements and reduce its dependence on the US. Russia has been a long-standing strategic partner of India, and the two countries have been cooperating closely on defense and energy issues. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation, including trade and investment. Doval and Jaishankar are likely to hold talks with their Russian counterparts, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussions are expected to cover a range of issues, including regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation. India and Russia have been working closely on several joint projects, including the development of a joint satellite system and a proposed free trade agreement. The visit is also seen as an opportunity for India to seek Russian support on key international issues, including the dispute over Kashmir and the threat posed by terrorism. Russia has been a key player in regional diplomacy, and its support could be crucial in helping India to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. The US has been critical of India’s close ties with Russia, and has been seeking to persuade New Delhi to reduce its dependence on Moscow. However, India has been resisting these efforts, citing its strategic interests and the need to maintain good relations with all major powers. The visit to Moscow is a clear indication that India is determined to pursue an independent foreign policy, and is not willing to be dictated to by any one country. The diplomatic engagement with Russia is also seen as a way for India to balance its relations with the US and China, and to reduce its vulnerability to pressure from these two major powers. In recent years, India has been seeking to strengthen its ties with other countries, including Japan, Australia, and the European Union, as part of its efforts to diversify its diplomatic engagements. The visit to Moscow is a key part of this strategy, and is expected to help India to build a more robust and resilient foreign policy. Overall, the visit by Doval and Jaishankar to Moscow is a significant development, and is likely to have important implications for India’s relations with the US, Russia, and other major powers. It reflects India’s determination to pursue an independent foreign policy, and to engage with all major powers on its own terms. The visit is also a testament to the enduring strength of India-Russia relations, and the two countries’ commitment to cooperation on a range of key issues. As the visit gets underway, all eyes will be on the outcomes, and the potential implications for India’s diplomatic engagements in the months and years ahead.

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