Putin to visit India this year as Trump targets Russian oil imports

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India later this year, Interfax news agency quoted India's national security adviser Ajit Doval as saying in Moscow on Thursday.

Russian security official Sergei Shoigu met Doval on Thursday and told him Moscow was committed to a "comprehensive strengthening of the joint strategic partnership" between the two countries.

The visit comes amid growing pressure from the US, with President Donald Trump imposing steep tariffs on Indian imports over New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil.

Trump on Wednesday announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, to come into force on August 28, citing New Delhi's continued imports of Russian oil, sharply escalating tensions between the two nations.

He also said he may announce similar further tariffs on goods from China, another big buyer of Russian oil.

Meanwhile, Putin and US President Donald Trump will also meet in the coming days, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Thursday, in what would be the first summit between leaders of the two countries since 2021.

The announcement came a day after Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, held talks with Putin in search of a breakthrough to end the Ukraine war. Trump has threatened new sanctions against Russia and countries that buy its exports if there is no deal.