National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
In a video clip shared by the press service of the Russian President’s Office Kremlin, Doval is seen shaking hands with Putin before the conversation. Putin warmly welcomed Doval to his chamber in Kremlin.
According to sources, Doval reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to continue cooperation with Russia despite external pressure. He said that Doval invited President Putin to come to India at the end of this year on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which Putin has gratefully accepted.
During the meeting in Kremlin, Doval was also accompanied by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar. Sergei Shigu, Secretary, Russian Security Council also attended the meeting. Earlier, Doval interacted with Shigu.
Shoigu said that Russia is committed to enhancing active cooperation with India to create a more equitable and sustainable world system and to ensure supremacy of international law.
Doval arrived here on Wednesday in view of bilateral energy and defense relations and on Wednesday in view of President Putin’s visit to India. Doval’s visit took place at a time when US President Donald Trump issued an executive order leaving an additional 25 percent fee on Indian goods for purchasing oil from Russia. After this, the total fee has been increased to 50 percent.