National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's recent visit to Moscow has set the stage for a highly anticipated visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India later this year. Discussions between Doval and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, and later with President Putin himself, focused on bolstering defense cooperation and counter-terrorism ties between the two nations. This visit occurs amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, with escalating trade tensions between India and the United States over India's continued purchase of Russian oil, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Doval's discussions in Moscow underscored the strategic importance of the India-Russia partnership, particularly in the face of global uncertainty. He reaffirmed India's commitment to combating terrorism, a key area of cooperation between the two countries. Russia has reiterated its unwavering support for India in its fight against all forms of terrorism. Both sides expressed readiness to increase cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts at regional and global venues, including the UN, BRICS, and SCO.
Defense cooperation was a central theme of the discussions. Both sides explored opportunities to expand the defense industry partnership, including potential acquisitions of additional S-400 missile systems, establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities for the S-400 in India, and the possible purchase of Russia's Su-57 fighter jets. They also discussed ongoing projects such as the joint development of BrahMos missiles. Russia and India's military-technical cooperation has evolved beyond a buyer-seller dynamic to encompass joint research and development, co-development, and joint production of advanced defense technologies and systems.
Energy security is another crucial aspect of the Indo-Russian relationship. With Russia becoming India's top energy supplier since Western sanctions were imposed, discussions also likely covered commitments to stable or increased imports of Russian oil at preferential terms. Other key areas of discussion included expanding Indian presence in the Arctic region and finalizing a second site for a Russian-built nuclear power plant.
The timing of Putin's visit is particularly noteworthy. The visit is expected to be Putin's first to India since December 2021. The visit also comes amid escalating trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington, with the U.S. imposing additional tariffs on Indian goods in response to India's continued oil imports from Russia. This situation has added complexity to the existing relationship.
Despite the U.S. sanctions and pressure, India has maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by national interest and market dynamics. India has also refrained from publicly criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.
The upcoming India-Russia summit is expected to further solidify the "special and privileged strategic partnership" between the two countries. The discussions are likely to encompass a wide range of issues, including defense, trade, energy, regional security, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO. The summit aims to set the tone for a new phase of strategic coordination between India and Russia, reinforcing their commitment to a multi-polar world order based on mutual respect, equal consideration of each other's interests, and the supremacy of international law.
