Did Putin Give a Warm Welcome to NSA Doval at the Kremlin?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Partnership: The meeting underscores the importance of the India-Russia strategic partnership.
- Regional Security: Discussions focused on enhancing regional security and defense cooperation.
- Upcoming Summit: Preparations are underway for Putin's visit to India.
- Global Dynamics: The dialogue continues despite changing international alignments.
- Mutual Respect: The relationship is built on mutual respect and shared global interests.
Moscow, Aug 7 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Kremlin on Thursday, representing a pivotal development in the strengthening strategic alliance between New Delhi and Moscow.
This meeting, attended by prominent Russian officials such as Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, precedes Putin’s anticipated visit to India later this month for the annual bilateral summit.
From the Indian delegation, Ambassador Vinay Kumar participated in the high-level discussions, which prioritized regional security, defense collaboration, and arrangements for the upcoming leadership meeting.
The Kremlin characterized the discussions as “constructive,” highlighting the sustained dialogue between the two nations despite changing global dynamics.
“We have now established very good relations, which we value very much - a strategic partnership between our countries,” NSA Doval remarked during his conversation with Shoigu, as reported by Russia’s Interfax news agency.
“We were pleased to hear about President Putin’s upcoming visit to our country, scheduled for late August.” Ushakov confirmed that this visit aligns with the tradition of annual summits.
“Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn,” he added, referencing the rotational structure of the India-Russia leadership dialogue.
The last in-person summit occurred in December 2021 in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia twice last year - first for the 22nd India-Russia Summit in July and later for the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Both trips reaffirmed India’s dedication to sustaining strong ties with Moscow, even as global geopolitics rapidly shift.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a bilateral conference earlier this year, remarked that India and Russia share “close or even coinciding views” regarding the emerging multipolar world order.
He stressed that this relationship has “stood the test of time” and continues to evolve based on mutual respect, strategic alignment, and shared global interests.
The Kremlin also noted recent demonstrations of solidarity, including President Putin’s messages of condolence following the Ahmedabad plane crash and the Pahalgam terror attack.
In both instances, Putin expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism and reaffirmed the privileged nature of the bilateral partnership.
As diplomatic preparations are underway, the forthcoming summit is expected to enhance cooperation across defense, energy, and multilateral platforms, thereby reinforcing the enduring ties between the two nations.