In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Thursday to reinforce bilateral cooperation and extend a formal invitation on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state visit to India later this year.
A video released by the Kremlin press service captured the cordial interaction, with President Putin warmly receiving NSA Doval in his Kremlin chamber. The meeting underscored the strength of the India-Russia strategic partnership amidst increasing global geopolitical tensions.
Sources confirmed that NSA Doval reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Russia across all domains—energy, defence, trade, and strategic matters—despite mounting external pressures. President Putin accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation with appreciation, signaling continuity in high-level exchanges.
Joining Doval at the meeting were Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu. Earlier in the day, Doval also held a detailed discussion with Shoigu, who emphasized Russia’s dedication to expanding collaboration with India to help shape a just and multipolar world order, rooted in the principles of international law.
Doval’s visit comes at a diplomatically sensitive time, as U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order earlier this week imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s continued oil trade with Russia. This move brings the total tariff rate to 50%, adding strain to India-U.S. trade ties.
Despite these developments, Doval’s visit highlights India’s intent to uphold its strategic autonomy and deepen its traditionally strong ties with Moscow.
