New Delhi [India]: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval will not attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, set to take place in Moscow from May 27 to 29, according to official sources.
Sources confirmed that NSA Doval had initially been scheduled to participate in the high-level security gathering in Russia’s capital.
“He is, however, unable to participate in the meeting due to indisposition with a seasonal flu,” they said.
Despite his absence, NSA Doval has expressed a strong interest in continuing bilateral engagements with Russia on strategic and security-related matters at the earliest opportunity.
Earlier reports had indicated Doval’s expected visit to Russia this week. His absence marks a notable change in plans, especially given the significance of recent India-Russia security dialogues.
During his visit to St Petersburg last year for the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting, Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin and exchanged greetings. In a statement posted on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India noted the depth of the relationship.
“During the conversation, Vladimir Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area,” the statement read.
Doval also held bilateral discussions with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, during the same visit.
The Russian Embassy highlighted the strategic closeness between the two countries, calling India one of Russia’s most reliable partners.
“New Delhi is one of Moscow’s main like-minded partners in the world arena, whose friendship has confidently stood the test of time. Our countries are jointly grappling with the challenges of the 21st century, — underscored Sergey Shoigu. At the meeting, a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed,” the Embassy stated on Telegram.
“Particular attention was paid to the multi-level trust-based political dialogue between Russia and India, built on regular contacts between the leaders. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council separately noted the significance of the bilateral summit held in July,” it added.