National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to travel to Moscow this week for discussions aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to sources. This trip follows recent visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to both Russia and Ukraine, where he met with President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
After his visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi spoke with President Putin on August 27. The Russian Embassy noted that during the call, Modi informed Putin about his visit to Kiev and reiterated India’s commitment to finding a resolution through political and diplomatic means.
The decision for NSA Doval to visit Moscow for peace talks was made during this conversation. Details of Doval’s visit are yet to be announced.
The Russian Embassy stated that Putin discussed Russia’s perspectives on the conflict and the destructive policies of Kiev and its Western allies. The Prime Minister’s Office added that Modi and Putin exchanged views on the situation and emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution.
Modi has publicly committed to supporting an “early, abiding, and peaceful resolution” of the conflict. Last month, during his visit to Ukraine, Modi affirmed India’s stance for peace, stating, “India was never neutral, we have always been on the side of peace.”
President Putin has acknowledged India, along with China and Brazil, as a key player in efforts to resolve the conflict. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also highlighted the important role of China and India in addressing the crisis.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has polarized global powers, but India has consistently advocated for peace. During Modi’s visit to Russia in July, he embraced President Putin, despite criticism from Zelensky, who highlighted the impact of Russian aggression on peace efforts. On Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine, Zelensky commended Modi’s support for the safety of children and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.