Jaishankar Meets Putin; Says US First Backed Oil Imports, Then Levied Tariffs

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said he was "very perplexed" by the United States imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, pointing out that Washington itself had earlier encouraged New Delhi to buy crude from Moscow to stabilize global markets.

- MPOST BUREAU

MOSCOW/NEW DELHI: His remarks came in Moscow where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and is understood to have conveyed India's intent to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, and technology, even as ties with Washington face renewed strain over oil imports from Russia.

The meeting, held during Jaishankar's three-day visit to Russia, assumed added significance as it came against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose up to 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, including an additional 25 percent levy linked to India's energy trade with Moscow.

In a social media post after his audience with Putin, Jaishankar said he delivered greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed the Russian leader on his talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "The preparations for the Annual Leaders' Summit are well underway. Appreciate his sharing perspectives on the global situation and recent developments on Ukraine," he wrote.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Lavrov, Where both sides pledged to expand bilateral trade in a “balanced and sustainable manner.” He underlined that increasing India’s exports to Russia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles, would be crucial to addressing the current trade imbalance.

“This requires swiftly addressing nontariff barriers and regulatory impediments. Enhancing Indian exports to Russia will certainly help correct the imbalance,” Jaishankar said at a joint press briefing. He added that discussions also covered ensuring long-term fertiliser supplies and potential opportunities for Indian skilled workers in Russia’s IT, construction, and engineering sectors.