NSA Ajit Doval skips Moscow security meet

New Delhi

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval will not attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow, Russia, scheduled from May 27 to 29. Sources indicate that Doval is unable to participate due to a seasonal flu.

Despite this absence, Doval looks forward to engaging with Russia on strategic and security matters soon. His expected visit to Russia this week was previously reported.

Last year, during the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting in St. Petersburg, Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin lauded the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, emphasizing the crucial role of security in their bilateral ties. The Russian Embassy in India highlighted this successful partnership and thanked India for maintaining dialogue on security matters.

During that visit, Doval also held a separate meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. The Russian Embassy described India as one of Moscow's like-minded partners, whose friendship has confidently stood the test of time. Both officials discussed a wide range of mutual interests, with particular attention given to the high-level, trust-based political dialogue between their nations, including regular interactions between their leaders. The significance of their bilateral summit in July was also noted.