Amid speculation about National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s upcoming visit to Moscow, foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev has outlined the key objectives of the trip. Sachdev noted that Doval’s visit will serve multiple purposes, including attending the BRICS NSA meeting. He also indicated that Doval is expected to carry a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia’s National Security Advisor and President Vladimir Putin.
Sachdev explained, “The primary objective of Doval’s visit is to participate in the BRICS NSA meeting. However, there are two additional, more significant goals. One is to deliver a message from Prime Minister Modi to both the Russian NSA and President Putin. This is in line with India’s recent diplomatic shifts, which include Modi’s meetings with both Zelenskyy and Putin. India appears to be actively seeking to understand the positions of the involved parties, rather than pushing for a specific solution.”
The NSA’s visit is scheduled for this week, with Doval set to attend the BRICS NSA meeting in Moscow from September 10-12. Notably, Russia holds the BRICS chairmanship for 2024, and the meeting will include high-level security officials from the BRICS and BRICS Plus countries, including new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia.
Sachdev also mentioned another objective of Doval’s trip: meeting with China’s NSA. This could pave the way for a potential summit between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit in Kazan in October, if the conditions are favorable.
Sachdev commented on the broader implications of India’s evolving foreign policy regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that the US and Western countries are both intrigued and surprised by India’s diplomatic stance. While they appreciate India’s proactive role, they desire that India advocates for a ceasefire favorable to Ukraine and NATO. Instead, India is positioning itself as a neutral broker.
Regarding the ongoing military standoff between India and China, Sachdev highlighted that the US and the West are observing India’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict with interest. The West sees India’s involvement as a potential shift away from traditional European peace brokers, with Putin signaling a preference for mediation by countries like India, China, and Brazil.
Doval’s visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent trips to Russia and Ukraine, where Modi emphasized the importance of peace and diplomacy over conflict. During his visits, Modi expressed his belief that solutions cannot be achieved through warfare and highlighted India’s commitment to supporting peace talks.