National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval recently concluded a significant visit to Moscow, where he engaged in high-level discussions with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The focal point of the meeting was to bolster defence and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
According to the Russian embassy, the talks encompassed a wide array of issues within the framework of bilateral military-technical cooperation. Both sides also assessed the progress of joint projects in strategic sectors, including civil aircraft manufacturing, metallurgy, and the chemical industry. The Russian embassy conveyed this information via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Prior to his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, NSA Doval met with President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu on August 7. During these discussions, Doval and Putin reaffirmed their commitment to a "strategic partnership". Doval also conveyed that the dates for President Putin's visit to India were "almost finalised". He expressed his delight regarding the upcoming visit, emphasizing that previous summit meetings have historically marked crucial moments in the countries' bilateral relations. Putin's visit will be his first to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
On August 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin held a telephonic conversation where they discussed trade, economic, and investment cooperation. PM Modi characterized the call as "very good and detailed" and thanked President Putin for providing updates on the situation in Ukraine.
Doval's visit to Moscow occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions due to the imposition of tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. US President Donald Trump's executive order imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, effectively doubling the total tariff burden to 50%. India has defended its energy trade with Russia, asserting that its oil imports are driven by national interest and market dynamics.
In a video released by Russian state media outlet Sputnik News, Doval underscored the depth of the longstanding strategic ties between India and Russia, describing the relationship as "very special". He highlighted the high-level engagements between the two countries and their substantial contributions.
During his meeting with Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, Doval expressed that India's "strategic and special partnership" with Russia is of enhanced importance given the current global uncertainties. He also conveyed his gratitude to Russia for its support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Russian side affirmed Moscow's readiness to collaborate with India in establishing a just and sustainable world order and ensuring the supremacy of international law.
Furthermore, on August 6, India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, met with Russia's Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin, to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence-related matters. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the military relationship between India and Russia would be "further strengthened" in the coming months.
