Vladimir Putin to Visit India After Four Years: Ajit Doval Confirms Timing Amid US-India Trade Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India by the end of August 2025, marking his first visit to the country since December 2021 and the first after the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022. This was confirmed by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his recent meeting with Russian Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu in Moscow. Doval conveyed optimism about the visit, emphasizing the expectation of positive outcomes that will further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia.

The announcement of Putin’s visit comes at a delicate time when trade tensions between the United States and India have escalated. The US, under President Donald Trump's administration, has imposed a total tariff of 50% on Indian goods, heavily targeting India’s oil imports from Russia. This tariff action has triggered concerns over bilateral trade relations and raised fears of a potential trade war-like situation between the two countries.

In addition to these dynamics, there is news that a summit meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump is being prepared and could take place next week, which may have historic significance. While India strives to balance its strategic ties with both the US and Russia, Putin’s forthcoming visit highlights the ongoing importance of India-Russia relations in the changing global geopolitical landscape.