Amid heightened tension in India-US relations following Donald Trump's tariffs on India over Russian oil purchase; PM Narendra Modi trusted aide and NSA Ajit Doval met Vladmir Putin in Moscow.
The two sides stressed their commitment to a "strategic partnership" during bilateral security talks.
The meeting assumes a special significance as it comes close on the heels of US President Donald Trump announcing higher tariffs on Indian products.
On Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on goods imported from India, taking the total import duty to 50 per cent.
The United States has also threatened secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian crude unless Moscow agrees to end the war in Ukraine - now entering its fourth year - by Friday.
India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the tariffs as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable".
He said New Delhi will take "all actions necessary" to defend its economic sovereignty. Washington has also faced accusations of double standards, with critics highlighting its continued imports of Russian uranium hexafluoride, palladium, and fertilisers.
The new tariff measure, announced on Wednesday, will come into full effect in two phases: the first 25 per cent hike began on August 7, and the second is scheduled for 21 days later, unless negotiations alter the course.
The move has deepened tensions between Washington and New Delhi, with India calling the decision "unfortunate" and promising to protect its interests.
PM Modi said India would not bow to external pressure, even if it meant bearing the cost.
Earlier in the day, Doval confirmed that President Putin will visit India later this year, with the dates currently being finalised.
In a separate meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Doval said New Delhi is "excited and delighted" about the upcoming engagement.
He described previous India-Russia summits as "watershed moments" in bilateral ties and emphasised the importance of the forthcoming meeting.
China on Thursday criticised the United States for imposing steep new tariffs on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, calling it a clear case of "tariff abuse" and urging restraint.
The strong response came after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order placing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, taking the total import duty to 50 per cent.
“We highly value our strategic partnership,” Doval said.
“I think you [Shoigu] said the world is passing through a very tumultuous situation. There is some unpredictability, there are some uncertainties, and in an environment like this, our old strategic and privileged partnership has got a very special role.”
Shoigu noted that Russia and India are linked by “strong, time-tested ties of friendship”, and said a priority for Moscow is strengthening the strategic partnership with India based on “mutual respect, trust, equal consideration of each other’s interests and the desire to promote a unifying agenda”.
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