NSA Ajit Doval Updates Putin on PM Modi's Ukraine Peace Initiatives

photo: AFP

On Thursday, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace. The meeting was part of Doval’s visit to Russia for the BRICS National Security Advisors' conference. During their discussion, Doval conveyed a personal message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his recent visit to Ukraine.

In the meeting, Doval relayed that Prime Minister Modi had expressed a strong desire to brief President Putin on his discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “He was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelenskyy,” Doval told Putin. “He wanted me to come especially and personally to brief you about the talks. The conversation was in a very close format—only the two leaders. I attended the conversation.”

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The encounter provided an opportunity for Putin to propose a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi. He suggested that the meeting take place on October 22 during the BRICS Summit in Kazan. This proposed discussion aims to review the outcomes of previous conversations between the leaders and to chart future directions for their bilateral relationship.

The dialogue between Doval and Putin underscored the ongoing diplomatic efforts by India to address the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv in August had included discussions with Zelenskyy about potential peace initiatives, building on ideas previously discussed during Modi’s July meeting with Putin. Doval, who accompanied Modi on these diplomatic missions, is actively involved in shaping these peace efforts.

In his discussion with Doval, President Putin acknowledged the significant progress in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. He emphasized the importance of security issues in their bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for India’s continued engagement in these areas.

Doval’s visit comes amid increasing speculation about India's potential role in facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Given India's strong relationships with both nations, there are growing expectations that New Delhi could play a key role in advancing diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.