National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow today. Doval's visit underscores the continued importance of the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
During his visit, Doval also met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu. Shoigu affirmed that Russia and India share "strong, time-tested ties of friendship". He emphasized Moscow's commitment to comprehensively strengthen the special privileged strategic partnership with India, based on mutual respect, trust, equal consideration of each other's interests, and the desire to promote a unifying agenda. Doval stated that India has a special and long relationship with Russia and that India values this relationship. He noted the high-level engagements between both sides have contributed substantially.
A key announcement during the meetings was that President Putin is expected to visit India soon. Doval mentioned that the dates for the visit are almost finalized. Summit-level meetings have historically been watershed moments for the India-Russia relationship. It is important for Moscow and New Delhi to determine the timing of new full-scale negotiations between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Doval's visit to Moscow is his first since Operation Sindoor, although he attended the SCO NSA meeting in Beijing in June and met with Shoigu's deputy, Russia's Security Council Deputy Secretary Aleksandr Venediktov.
The discussions in Moscow covered a range of issues, including security, economic cooperation, and energy cooperation. India has defended its crude oil imports from Russia, asserting that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
In a video released by Russian state media, Doval described India's relationship with Russia as "very special," highlighting the depth of long-standing strategic ties. He said that the high-level engagements have contributed very substantially.
The meeting took place a day after the US President announced new tariffs on Indian imports.
