NSA Doval meets Russia's Shoigu in Moscow, reviews defence, energy ties
Moscow, May 29
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday met Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the 1st International Security Forum in Moscow.
The two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation in defence, security, energy and economic ties, officials said.
Doval and Shoigu also exchanged views on the upcoming BRICS NSA meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia said, "NSA Shri Aji Doval met his counterpart Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on the sidelines of the first International Security Forum. They reviewed ongoing cooperation in defence, security, energy and economic ties. The two sides also exchanged views on the upcoming BRICS NSA meeting in New Delhi."
Doval underlined the urgent need to reform international structures and institutions established after the Second World War in 1945 to enhance their ability to respond to contemporary security threats.
He emphasised that such reforms must ensure broader representation of Global South countries and full consideration of their interests and positions.
Calling for special attention to the situation in West Asia, the NSA pointed to the "primary importance" of ensuring safe and uninterrupted shipping through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Doval said there can be "no double standards in the fight against terrorism." He added that responsible states are "obliged to weigh their positions and decide whether to support sponsors of terrorism or to counter them with decisive actions."
On April 22, 2025, a terror attack took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved religion-based targeted killings and left 26 people dead.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's encouraging to see Russia and India deepening ties in defence and energy. But we also need to remember our relationship with the West for tech and investments. Walking that diplomatic tightrope is tricky, but Doval is a seasoned hand. Hope the BRICS meeting in Delhi brings something concrete for the Global South.
All this strategic talk is good, but I really hope the energy cooperation means lower oil prices for the common man! 😄 On a serious note, Doval calling out terrorism sponsors is long overdue. Everyone knows who is behind groups like LeT, and the world needs to act decisively, not with selective memory.
One small point of respectful criticism: while reforming global institutions is important, sometimes we get too caught up in geopolitics and forget the people. The Pahalgam attack was horrific, and strong statements are needed, but I hope the follow-up action is equally strong—whether it's at the UN or in bilateral talks with Russia. Words alone won't bring back the 26 lives lost.
Russia is a time-tested friend for India. The defence cooperation is critical given our security challenges. Doval making the case for the Global South and security of waterways like Hormuz shows India is thinking like a global power now. For too long, we were passive in these forums—those days are over. 👏
Interesting to see the NSA emphasize maritime security in West Asia. The Red Sea and Hormuz are vital for trade, and any disruption hits India's energy imports hard. Hope this coordination
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.