NSA Ajit Doval Meets Putin In Russia, Discusses Bilateral And Regional Issues

Although it did not go into detail, the Indian embassy in Moscow said that the conversations were centred on bilateral and regional problems.

NSA Ajit Doval & Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source : Twitter/@IndEmbMoscow

On Thursday in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had extensive talks and decided to keep working to implement their strategic alliance, news agency PTI reported.

Although it did not go into detail, the Indian embassy in Moscow said that the conversations were centred on bilateral and regional problems.

Taking to Twitter, the embassy stated: "NSA Ajit Doval called on HE President Putin. Wide-ranging discussion on bilateral and regional issues. Agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia strategic partnership."

🇮🇳 NSA Ajit Doval called on HE President Putin. Wide-ranging discussion on bilateral and regional issues. Agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia strategic partnership. pic.twitter.com/SMHe6VI9ve

— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) February 9, 2023

On Wednesday, Doval started his two-day trip to Russia.

Denis Alipov, the Russian ambassador to New Delhi, stated on Monday that Russia wants to develop its ties with India even further.

Three months before to the NSA's trip, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Russia. During his trip, the two countries committed to deepening their economic ties and increasing their trade, including India importing petroleum products from its "time-tested" partner.

Doval participated in the sixth conference of NSAs and Secretaries of Security Councils on Afghanistan, which was held on Wednesday and was sponsored by Russia.

Doval emphasised that India will never forsake the Afghan people in their hour of need and that no country should be permitted to utilise Afghan land to export terrorism.

Representatives from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were also present at the summit in addition to Russia and India.

Weeks before the G-20 foreign ministers conference in New Delhi, Doval will be in Moscow.

On March 1 and 2, Sergey Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, is anticipated to fly to India for the conference.

Despite Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, relations between India and Russia remained solid.

Despite growing unease over it in many Western nations, India has increased its imports of Russian crude oil during the past several months.

India has not yet denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has insisted that diplomacy and communication are the only ways to find a solution to the problem.

(With Inputs From PTI)