NSA Doval's Moscow visit seeks to give further impetus to India-Russia strategic partnership

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's visit to Moscow earlier this week provided an opportunity to discuss steps to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia.

NSA Doval called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), they had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues. It was agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership, the MEA added.

On Thursday, NSA Doval held a bilateral dialogue with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and discussed issues, including bilateral relations, regional and international developments. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov and discussed issues pertaining to bilateral defence and economic cooperation, the MEA said.

NSA Doval was on a visit to Moscow from February 7-9, during which time he attended the 5th Multilateral Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils or National Security Advisors on Afghanistan on February 8. In addition to the host nation, this summit included representatives from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The high-level interactions during NSA Doval's visit served to underscore the importance India and Russia attach to their strategic partnership.

The two sides have a long-standing defence and security relationship that dates back to the Cold War era. Over time, the two nations have established a close alliance in the defense and security fields, marked by frequent military exchanges, coordinated military exercises, and defence technology collaboration.

Russia is among a select group of countries with which India has a 2+2 Dialogue attended by foreign ministers and defence ministers from both sides, the others being the US, Japan, and Australia.

The sale of military hardware and weaponry is one of the key features of India and Russia's defence cooperation. In the past, India has been one of the biggest purchasers of Russian military equipment, including Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter planes and T-90S tanks.

Additionally, both nations have been attempting to improve their defence and security cooperation in recent years through cooperative research and development projects as well as the manufacture of weapons systems. The cooperative military projects between India and Russia include the development of the BrahMos cruise missile, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, the Ilyushin/HAL tactical transport aircraft, and the KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters.

The two nations have also been trying to improve their counterterrorism and cybersecurity collaboration in view of the threat presented by transnational terrorism and cyberattacks. Overall, despite changes in the global geopolitical scene, the military and security connection between India and Russia has remained robust and is a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.