New Delhi: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in St. Petersburg, where the Russian leader announced plans for a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 22 during the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The meeting follows Doval's participation in the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting, also held in St. Petersburg.
Moscow confirmed that NSA Doval conveyed Modi's "readiness to share information" from his recent visit to Ukraine. President Putin highlighted the importance of security in bilateral relations, expressing gratitude for India’s continued dialogue on the matter.
"During the meeting, President Putin acknowledged the success of the special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia," a Russian statement said. "He proposed a bilateral meeting with Modi to discuss joint work on agreements made during Modi’s previous visit to Moscow and to outline future prospects."
The talks in St Petersburg have sparked speculation about India’s potential role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, given its strong ties with both nations. There is speculation that NSA Doval’s visit to Russia could include conveying India's insights on the ongoing war, following Modi’s diplomatic engagements with both Russia and Ukraine.
Earlier in the week, Russian President Putin had been quoted by state media as appreciating the efforts of countries like India, China, and Brazil to resolve the conflict. Meanwhile, Indian external affairs minister S. Jaishankar had met Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Riyadh earlier this week, reiterating India’s openness to supporting peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.
