Visit of Indian NSA to Russia-A low profile visit with high expectations
India and Russia have had a strong bilateral relationship for decades. The two countries share a strategic partnership that has been built on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. In recent times, the relationship between India and Russia has become even more important due to the changing geopolitical landscape in the region. Indian National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval's visit to Russia on 8th and 9th February 2023, therefore, holds great significance. During his visit, he participated in the fifth meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/NSAs on Afghanistan and met with high-level officials of the Russian government.
In this context, the first section of the article will try to shed light on the highlights of the meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils on Afghanistan. The following section will focus on the meeting between Doval and his Russian counterparts and why this meeting is significant in the present context.
Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/NSAs on Afghanistan
The meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/NSAs on Afghanistan was hosted by Russia and was attended by officials from several countries, including India. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and to explore ways in which the participating countries could work together to address the challenges facing the country. The meeting was significant as it brought together officials from different countries who have a stake in Afghanistan's stability and security.
During the meeting, Doval pledged India's commitment to the Afghan people, stating that India will “never abandon the Afghan people in their time of need.” He emphasized the importance of an inclusive and representative government in Afghanistan and called for collective efforts to fight terrorism.
Sources report that Doval emphasized the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for radicalization and terrorism, both regionally and globally. He also urged for increased intelligence and security cooperation to address terrorist groups, including those recognized under UNSCR 1267. He also reiterated the significance of UNSCR 2593 (2021), which calls for terrorist organizations, including those identified by UNSCR 1267, to be deprived of safe haven in the region.
The Indian NSA pointed out that the well-being and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people are India's foremost priority. India has delivered 40,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 60 tonnes of medicines, 500,000 Covid vaccines, winter clothing, and 28 tonnes of disaster relief to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. He has further pointed out that over the past two years, India has awarded new scholarships to 2,260 Afghan students, including 300 girls
Doval further reiterated India's historical and special relationship with Afghanistan and stressed that India will remain an important stakeholder in Afghanistan. He stated that India has always stood by the people of Afghanistan and will always support collective efforts to help the Afghan people build a prosperous and vibrant nation once again.
Meeting with Russian officials
On the second day of his visit, Doval had several high-level meetings with officials of the Russian government, including President Vladimir Putin, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov.
During his meeting with Putin, Doval discussed several issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Afghanistan and the bilateral relationship between India and Russia. The two sides agreed to continue working towards implementing the India-Russia strategic partnership. Their talks also focused on defence ties and projects, energy and fertilizer supply, as well as boosting trade in national currencies and connectivity initiatives.
The Indian embassy in Moscow shared a Twitter post, which read, “NSA Ajit Doval called on HE President Putin. Wide-ranging discussion on bilateral and regional issues. Agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia strategic partnership.”
Doval also met with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, where the two officials discussed various issues, including bilateral relations, regional, and international developments.
Furthermore, during his meeting with Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, Doval discussed ways in which India and Russia could strengthen their economic cooperation. The two sides explored the possibility of increasing bilateral trade and investment and identified sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and defense as areas where there is potential for cooperation.
Why Doval’s visit to Russia holds significance?
The meeting between Ajit Doval and high-level officials of the Russian government, including President Vladimir Putin, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov, holds significant importance in the current geopolitical context.
Firstly, this was Doval's second visit to Russia since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This signifies the importance of India's relationship with Russia, despite the ongoing conflict. It also indicates that India is keen on maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia, which is in line with its non-alignment policy.
Secondly, the meeting came just two weeks before Russia's invasion of Ukraine completed one year. This timing is significant as it highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for international dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.
Thirdly, the meeting took place three months after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Russia, during which the two sides vowed to expand their economic engagement. This indicates India's interest in deepening economic ties with Russia, which is a time-tested partner in areas such as energy and defense.
Finally, the meeting is important in the context of India's neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India has not criticized Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has instead maintained a neutral stance on the matter. This visit highlights India's continued engagement with Russia, despite the conflict, and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with all nations.
Overall, the meeting between Ajit Doval and Russian officials holds significance in terms of India's strategic partnerships, economic engagement, and neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It underscores India's commitment to maintaining its relationships with all nations and working towards a peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Image Courtesy: Russia today
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
Neha Dayma has recently completed her Masters in Politics with Specialization in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is a political science graduate and also a current intern at Online Foreign Policy School. Her areas of interest include South- East Asia, West Asia, geopolitics, Indo- Pacific and India's foreign policy.
