National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Russia’s Secretary of Security Council, Sergey Shoigu, in Moscow on August 7 to discuss ways to further strengthen the long-standing India–Russia special and privileged strategic partnership, the Russian Embassy in India said on Thursday.
Sharing the update on X, the Russian Embassy wrote, “On August 7, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Sergey Shoigu held talks with #India’s NSA Ajit Doval. The parties discussed ways to further strengthen the #RussiaIndia special & privileged strategic partnership.”
The meeting came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin received Doval at the Kremlin. “Russia’s President Vladimir Putin received India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval at the Kremlin,” the embassy stated in another post.
Sources indicated that while the dates for President Putin’s upcoming visit to India are being finalised, no official date has been confirmed. Doval dismissed reports suggesting an end-of-August visit as incorrect.
Speaking to Sputnik News, Doval emphasised the depth of India–Russia ties, saying, “We have got a very special relationship, long relationship and we highly value our strategic partnership. We have had high-level engagements and these have contributed very substantially. We are very excited and delighted to learn about the visit of His Excellency, President Putin, to India. The summit meetings have always been a watershed point.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, during which both leaders reaffirmed the trust, mutual understanding, and strategic convergence that underpin the relationship. A joint statement highlighted the extensive cooperation spanning political, strategic, military, trade, energy, science, technology, nuclear, space, cultural, educational, and humanitarian sectors.
It was noted that both nations are not only strengthening traditional areas of cooperation but also actively exploring new opportunities. Recently, the 11th Session of the India–Russia Working Group on Modernisation and Industrial Cooperation was held in New Delhi under the framework of the India–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation.
