Ajit Doval to Visit Moscow, likely to push for early delivery of remaining S400 air defence systems

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is likely to visit Moscow next week. He is likely to push the Russian government for early delivery of the remaining two S400 air defence system amid reports of fresh orders for the same system for the Indian military.

Doval’s visit will be preceded by a visit of Indian MPs to Moscow beginning Thursday.

The visit assumes significance in the backdrop of Indian air strikes in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor and the role played by BrahMos missiles, an India-Russia joint venture, and the S-400 system. A few other Russian-origin defence systems also came handy during the conflict.

What India now seeks is a stronger political understanding from Russia in countering Pakistan-based terror infrastructure in keeping with India-Russia strong security and strategic partnership. Russia is not only a P5 state but it remains a significant Eurasian power and the India-Russia partnership has often counter-balanced other big powers in Eurasia. Moscow has been among India’s closest counter-terror partners for decades, a source informed.

NSA is expected to participate in the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues that will take place in Moscow from May 27 to 29, chaired by Russia’s Security Council secretary Sergey Shoigu and will hold bilateral meetings with his various counterparts on the sidelines, including with Shoigu.