Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian president and head of the Russian Naval Council, in Moscow on May 29.
The two leaders reviewed progress on the proposals discussed during Patrushev’s visit to New Delhi in November 2025, with a focus on maritime connectivity, shipbuilding cooperation, defense cooperation and training of sailors for operations in polar waters.
The meeting was important from India’s point of view as New Delhi is exploring new shipping routes to transport energy resources such as oil and natural gas. The Arctic Route, which Moscow is promoting as an alternative trade corridor linking Asia and Europe, could reduce shipping times and enhance India’s access to Arctic resources and emerging trade networks. It will also help diversify shipping lanes and reduce dependence on checkpoints such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
They also exchanged views on major regional and global developments, and reiterated the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors.
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The meeting forms part of the ongoing high-level engagement between India and Russia aimed at deepening maritime, security and defense relations.
Duval is in Moscow to attend the first International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Affairs, where security officials from several countries will discuss global challenges emerging in an increasingly multipolar world.
On the sidelines of the forum, Doval held a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships. On May 28, he met with Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, and reviewed cooperation in key sectors including defence, energy and space.
As part of the visit, the Russian side also facilitated a tour of the National Space Center and the Joint Industry Information Center of Roscosmos, Russia’s state space enterprise.
Doval also met with Myanmar’s National Security Advisor Tin Aung San to discuss cooperation in the areas of security, defense and connectivity, while exchanging views on regional developments. These engagements reflect India’s ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation with key partners throughout its neighborhood and the broader Eurasian region.
