The Indian delegation in Moscow will discuss the issue of deliveries of S-400 and Su-57 — India Today

A delegation headed by the Indian Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who has arrived in Moscow, intends to discuss with representatives of the Russian leadership the issue of the supply of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems and the latest Su-57 fighters. This is reported by the newspaper India Today.

The visit comes amid threats from the United States over the ongoing oil trade with Russia, the newspaper points out. US President Donald Trump recently criticized India for continuing to buy Russian oil while maintaining neutrality in the Ukrainian conflict. He also warned about the possible imposition of trade duties on Indian goods.

It is expected that in Moscow Dov will hold talks on cooperation in the defense industry. Discussions may include the possible purchase of additional S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, the creation of a maintenance infrastructure in India and the study of options for the acquisition of Russian Su-57 fighters.

"The current aggravation of the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. In addition, such topical issues as the supply of Russian oil to India will be discussed," the source said.

This visit is seen as part of India's efforts to pursue an independent foreign policy and maintain partnerships based on national interests, the Indian newspaper points out.

In addition, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is also scheduled to visit Russia on August 27 and 28. During the visit, the focus will be on defense, energy and trade issues. Jaishankar will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral and international issues. He will also meet with Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Yuri Borisov to become co-chairman of the Russian-Indian intergovernmental commission on technical and economic cooperation.

The Indian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that India's relations with Russia are based on mutual understanding and should not be evaluated by other countries. The day before, it issued a statement in which it rejected criticism from the US and the EU regarding India's imports of Russian oil, calling it unfounded. The Foreign Ministry noted that Western countries had previously supported such trade to stabilize global energy markets and continue to trade with Russia.