Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on September 12, 2024.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials’ meeting, focused on the ongoing efforts to broker peace in the Ukraine conflict, among other strategic discussions.
Mr. Doval’s visit to Russia, from September 10-12, is part of a broader initiative where India has been stepping up its role as a mediator in international conflicts, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The NSA’s visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent interactions with both President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering peace through dialogue.
The discussions between Mr. Doval and Mr. Putin have reportedly covered a range of topics, including the potential for peace talks based on previous agreements like those discussed in Istanbul early in the conflict, which, despite not being implemented, could serve as a foundation for renewed negotiations. This aligns with recent sentiments from various global leaders, including Mr. Putin himself, who have suggested that countries like India could play a pivotal role in mediating peace.
During the meeting, President Putin reportedly proposed arranging a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22.
Additionally, the meeting also touched upon the release of Indian nationals caught in the Ukraine conflict.
The external affairs ministry confirmed the meeting, highlighting its significance in the context of India’s foreign policy, which balances its strategic interests with a commitment to global peace. The latest meeting is seen as a continuation of the robust India-Russia friendship and a testament to India’s growing stature in international diplomacy.