NSA Ajit Doval Meets Putin in Moscow Amid Trump’s Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil
Doval reached Moscow on Wednesday to hold key discussions on energy and defence cooperation between the two nations.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday. Doval, who arrived in the Russian capital on Wednesday for important discussions concerning bilateral energy and defence cooperation, mentioned earlier that Putin is expected to visit India later this year.
The Indian NSA’s meeting with Putin holds significance as US President Donald Trump continues to criticise New Delhi over its import of Russian oil. Trump has issued a stern warning to President Putin to halt the Ukraine conflict, cautioning that Moscow will be subjected to even tougher US sanctions if hostilities persist. Meanwhile, Putin has shown interest in holding talks with Trump and has suggested the United Arab Emirates as a possible venue for the meeting.
Although Doval has confirmed that Putin will travel to New Delhi, the exact dates of the visit remain unconfirmed. This would mark Putin’s first trip to India since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“You have rightly pointed out that we share a very special and longstanding relationship, and we greatly value our strategic partnership. We have maintained high-level engagements, which have significantly contributed to our ties. We are truly pleased to hear about President Putin’s upcoming visit to India. I believe the dates have been nearly finalised,” NSA Doval stated.
Earlier in the day, Doval also met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, who highlighted that the two nations share “strong, time-tested ties of friendship.”
Shoigu stressed the importance of both countries deciding on the timing for the next round of full-fledged talks between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Russia and India share strong, time-tested bonds of friendship,” Shoigu said, adding that both sides are committed to jointly addressing contemporary global challenges and threats.
“For Moscow, the priority is to further deepen the special and privileged strategic partnership with India, built on mutual trust, respect, equal regard for each other’s interests, and the commitment to advancing a common agenda,” Shoigu noted.
