Doval, Putin’s aide Patrushev discuss maritime cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, on Monday met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and National Maritime Security Coordinator Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd) in New Delhi as both the nations discussed important issues, including maritime cooperation.

The Russian Embassy in India said, “Aide to the President of Russia and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia Nikolay Patrushev arrived in India. He held talks with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and India’s National Maritime Security Coordinator Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta. Russian-Indian consultations on maritime cooperation will take place in New Delhi today.”

Sources said the two sides were negotiating for a fresh US$1.1 billion deal for S-400 missile re-supply and induction of new air-to-air missile from Russia. Several deals and agreements are under active discussion between New Delhi and Moscow, including on expanding the range of the BrahMos missiles, fighter jet upgrades and production of Sukhoi-57E (stealth jet) in India.

Delhi top priority for Moscow, says Lavrov

India and Russia on Monday underscored the steadiness of their long-standing strategic partnership as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, setting the stage for President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi.

Jaishankar said the meeting carried “special importance” as both sides prepare for the 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit. “Our regular interactions have greatly helped advance bilateral cooperation and enabled us to share perspectives on key regional, global and multilateral issues,” he said. Touching on conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East and Afghanistan, he reiterated India’s support for ongoing peace efforts.

Lavrov, calling the meeting “timely”, said the next Russian-Indian summit would take place in New Delhi in three weeks. He said the relationship remained a top priority in Russia’s foreign policy.