NSA Doval won’t attend Russian security meet starting tomorrow

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will not travel to Russia for the scheduled security meeting convened at Moscow.

Advertisement

The NSA of Pakistan Lt Gen Asim Malik is also expected to be in Moscow for the meeting and that has led to speculation if the two could meet on the sidelines of the event.

Sources said Doval was scheduled to attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues to be held in Moscow, Russia, from 27 to 29 May.

“He is unable to participate in the meeting due to indisposition caused by seasonal flu," sources said, adding that Doval looks forward to advancing bilateral engagement with Russia on strategic and security matters at an early date.

The meeting is hosted by major security Russia's Security Council chaired Sergei Shoigu.

Like India, Pakistan is also a member of the SCO, and its NSA Lt Gen Asim Malik is also expected to be in Moscow for the meeting.

There are speculations that in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the two key Indian and Pakistani NSAs will be in Moscow and the Russian side may facilitate their face-to-face meeting.