Modi’s top adviser meets Putin in Moscow

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with Russia’s president at the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin received Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s top security official, at the Kremlin on Thursday, the Kremlin has announced.

Secretary of the Security Council Sergey Shoigu and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov also attended the meeting on the Russian side. Representing India was Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar.

Doval is visiting Moscow for high-level talks with defense and security officials. He previously met with Putin in St. Petersburg in September of 2024, where they discussed the growing partnership between the two nations.

”Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about. We are also pleased to see India’s success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” Putin told Doval during their meeting last year.

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Earlier on Thursday, Doval held separate closed-door discussions with Sergey Shoigu and other officials. In his opening remarks before the meeting, Shoigu noted that Russia and India are “linked by strong, trusting, time-tested bonds of friendship,” emphasizing that ties with India are “of paramount importance” to Moscow.

Shoigu stated that both countries aim to create “a new, more just and sustainable world order, ensuring the supremacy of international law, while jointly combating modern challenges and threats.”

For his part, Doval said that the Indian government will be “delighted” to welcome Putin to New Delhi this year for the annual summit between the leaders of both countries. He added that the dates for the visit have been “almost finalized.” Doval noted that “the more important thing is that these summit meetings have always been watershed moments. They have consistently provided a new direction to our relations.”

READ MORE: Russia and India linked by ‘strong bond’ – Moscow

Doval’s trip to Moscow comes amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Washington. The United States has imposed unprecedented sanctions on the nation of 1.4 billion people, accusing India of supporting “Russia’s war effort” by importing its oil. New Delhi called the move “extremely unfortunate,” noting that the US has imposed additional tariffs on India “for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”

India has previously stressed that its imports of Russian oil align with its national interests and the country’s economic and energy security needs. It has also criticized the US and EU for targeting its relationship with Moscow while continuing their own trade with Russia across multiple sectors, including gas, critical minerals, and fertilizers.