Jaishankar said the growth of India–Russia engagement serves not only national interests but also “benefits the world,” noting that several agreements across energy, trade, space, science, and defence are in their final stages of negotiation. He added that both sides are closely consulting on major global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, West Asia tensions, and the situation in Afghanistan.
His comments come against the backdrop of tariff measures imposed by former US President Donald Trump, who this year levied a combined 50% duty on India’s crude imports from Russia. Despite American objections, India has continued sourcing oil from Moscow, citing energy security and competitive pricing.
Jaishankar’s Moscow visit is part of preparations for next month’s India–Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin are expected to review the direction of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” He will also lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Heads of Government meeting on November 18.
Meanwhile, Trump signalled last week that Washington may ease tariffs, saying India has reduced its oil purchases from Russia and that a new bilateral trade understanding is nearing completion. Several Indian refiners including Reliance Industries, BPCL, HPCL, and MRPL have not placed fresh orders for Russian crude for December, while IOC and Nayara Energy continue limited procurement.
India remains the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian crude. In October alone, it imported $2.5 billion worth of oil, trailing only China. The US maintains that its tariff regime aims to restrict revenue flows to Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict
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