India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is set to travel to Moscow this week to participate in a BRICS meeting and possibly facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling India’s growing role as a mediator in international conflicts.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also highlighted India’s potential role in resolving the conflict, a sentiment echoed by Mr. Putin.
Mr. Doval’s visit to Moscow
Mr. Doval’s trip, scheduled for September 10-11, coincides with a BRICS NSA meeting, but his agenda reportedly features discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Mr. Doval’s visit is not just about mediation but it also reflects India’s strategic interests in ensuring stability in its extended neighborhood.
The visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort following PM Modi’s visits to Moscow in July and Kyiv in August, where he emphasized the need for dialogue over conflict, stating, “This is not an era for war.”
During his visit, NSA Ajit Doval is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart and possibly discuss practical steps towards a ceasefire and long-term resolution. The visit comes at a time when the conflict has seen intensified attacks, raising fears of further escalation.
The backdrop of Mr. Doval’s visit includes a complex international scenario where both Russia and Ukraine have shown signs of willingness for dialogue, albeit with significant reservations.
Mr. Putin has referenced a preliminary agreement from early in the war as a potential basis for talks, indicating Russia’s openness to negotiation under certain conditions.