NSA Ajit Doval Holds Meetings With Russian, Iranian Counterparts In Johannesburg

During the meeting with Nikolay Patrushev, the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, both leaders delved into Russia-India cooperation in security and economy.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with his Russian and Iranian counterparts, Nikolay Patrushev and Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, on Tuesday to strengthen security and economic cooperation. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Senior Officials Responsible for Security Matters meeting in Johannesburg, according to a statement from the Russian Federation's Office of the Security Council, which highlighted the details of the discussions.

During the meeting with Nikolay Patrushev, the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, both leaders delved into Russia-India cooperation in security and economy, the statement said.

Another significant topic discussed during the meeting with Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was cooperation between India and Iran for the development of the Chabahar port in southern Iran, IRNA news agency reported.

Ahmadian praised the Chabahar port as a symbol of India-Iran cooperation, emphasising the importance of expediting the implementation of bilateral agreements in transportation, energy, and banking. He stated that Iran is willing to expand cooperation in combating terrorism and drug trafficking, according to the report. 

NSA Ajit Doval praised India and Iran's collaborative efforts to promote bilateral cooperation, emphasising the significance of the Chabahar project in Iran-India economic relations. He urged the removal of any impediments to the progress of this critical initiative, it added. 

According to the report, Doval described Chabahar as the "most important project in Iran-India economic relations and called for the removal of roadblocks."

Although no official statement was issued by the Indian side in response to these meetings, the discussions demonstrated India's willingness for closer cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and demonstrated the country's commitment to strengthening security and economic ties with Russia and Iran.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the BRICS grouping's gathering of NSAs and high representatives on national security, which included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.