(Image source from: PTI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Moscow on August 20-21, where he will meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. This visit follows the recent decision made by the United States to impose an extra 25 percent tariff on Indian products due to India’s ongoing acquisition of Russian oil. Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had an extensive discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the uncertainties in trade and the tariff announcements. They talked about the situation in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Modi reaffirming India's steady stance in favor of a peaceful solution. The US has placed a 25 percent tariff on India for importing items from Russia.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, just a day after US President Donald Trump declared increased tariffs on Indian imports linked to India’s persistent oil purchases from Russia. On August 6, President Trump enacted an executive order that adds a further 25 percent penalty for buying Russian oil, raising the total duty on imports to 50 percent.

This new tariff strategy will be implemented in two stages. The initial 25 percent tariff took effect on August 7, while the second part, which includes the penalties, will start on August 27 unless there are successful negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized the tariffs as "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable" and warned that New Delhi would take "all necessary actions" to protect its economic independence. Washington has also been accused of hypocrisy by critics, who point out its ongoing imports of Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and fertilizers.