PM Narendra Modi's Man Friday, Ajit Doval, lands in Moscow :::::: "I will not call Trump because he does not want to talk," says Brazilian President

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to visit Russia for further defence and trade talks

 Ajit Doval in Moscow amid Trump's fresh tariff threat for Russia oil buys

NSA Doval's visit is part of a planned schedule and will focus on defence cooperation 

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has arrived in Moscow for a visit focused on strengthening India’s defence and energy ties with Russia. The visit comes as the United States raises concerns over India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia.

US President Donald Trump has slammed India for continuing to buy Russian oil while staying neutral on the Ukraine conflict. He has warned of possible trade tariffs on Indian goods.  

"The current escalation in the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. Apart from that the topics will include such pressing matters as supplies of Russian oil [to India]," a source said.  

Doval is expected to hold talks on defence industry cooperation. Discussions may include the possible purchase of more S-400 missile systems, setting up maintenance infrastructure in India and exploring options for acquiring Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets.  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also scheduled to visit Russia on August 27 and 28. 

Dr Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral and international issues. He will also meet Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov to co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation.

New Delhi maintains India’s relations with Russia are based on mutual understanding and should not be judged by other countries.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday that he would not reach out to US President Donald Trump amid intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two nations over Washington's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.

"I will not call Trump because he does not want to talk," Lula said while referring to the day the tariffs were imposed as "the most regrettable" day in bilateral relations between the countries.