NSA Ajit Doval, Russian President’s aide Patrushev review maritime, defense cooperation

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Met Russian officials in Moscow on Friday and reviewed progress on key bilateral initiatives in maritime connectivity, shipbuilding, defense cooperation and training of sailors for polar operations.Doval held talks with Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the President and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, assessing the proposals discussed during Patrushev’s visit to New Delhi in November 2025.The Indian Embassy in Russia said the two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments.Earlier in the day, Doval met First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and reviewed bilateral cooperation in defence, energy, space and other sectors. The Russian side organized a visit to its National Space Center and Roscosmos Joint Industry Information Centre.Doval also met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council, on the sidelines of the first International Security Forum and reviewed ongoing cooperation in defence, security, energy and economic relations. The embassy said the two sides also discussed the upcoming BRICS NSA meeting in New Delhi.In his speech at the forum, Doval called for special attention to the situation in West Asia, and stressed the need to ensure secure and uninterrupted flow of trade through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.Doval said, “Secure and uninterrupted movement of international trade through international waterways is essential for the global economy. India stands ready to contribute constructively to support all efforts to help de-escalate tensions and restore stability.”He expressed concern over the disruption in oil and gas supply affecting the global economy.On the sidelines of the forum, Doval also met Myanmar’s National Security Advisor Tin Aung San. They reviewed cooperation in security, defence, connectivity and other areas and exchanged views on regional development. Myanmar NSAs will visit India in July for the 5th BIMSTEC NSAs meeting.The Arctic route, promoted by Russia as an alternative Asia-Europe corridor, could reduce shipping times and give India greater access to Arctic resources and trade networks. This is in line with India’s aim to diversify maritime connectivity away from chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.Based on inputs from ANI