India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday (August 7, 2025). The meeting was held with the aim of strengthening energy and defense cooperation between India and Russia. Doval had reached Moscow on Wednesday and had already indicated that Putin could travel to India at the end of the year.

Important talks with Russian Security Council Secretary
Earlier in the day, Doval also met Sergei Shoigu, Secretary, Russian Security Council. Shoigu said that there are “strong and the test of time” friendly relations between India and Russia. He said that it is important for the two countries to decide the time of new high level talks between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

#Russia‘S President Vladimir Putin received #India‘S National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar doval at the kremlin.#RussiaIndia#Druzhbadosti@Pmoindia @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/d9kx3owyoy

– Russia in India (@Rusembindia) August 7, 2025

Emphasis on India-Russia strategic partnership
Shoigu said that the most important thing for Moscow is that special and privileged strategic partnership with India should be strengthened in every way. This partnership is based on mutual respect, faith, equal idea of each other’s interests and desire to promote shared agenda.

Cooperation in dealing with shared challenges
The Russian Security Council Secretary also said that both countries are committed to dealing with the challenges and dangers of modern times. India and Russia have been strategically connected with each other in security, defense, energy and technical fields for many decades.