NSA Ajit Doval holds bilateral talks with Russian security chief in Moscow

He also held talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
NSA Doval was in Moscow from February 7-9 to participate in the Fifth Regional Dialogue on Afghanistan.

Apart from the host country, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were represented at the regional meet. Issues discussed included the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan.

In his remarks at the 5th Multilateral Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan on February 8, NSA Doval stressed the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan does not become a source of radicalization and terrorism, regionally or globally, as well as to intensify intelligence and security cooperation to deal with terror outfits, including those designated under the UNSCR 1267. He also pointed out that the well-being and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people is India’s foremost priority, the statement said.

NSA Doval also called on Russian President Vladimir Putin and had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues. It was agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership.

On February 9, Doval held a bilateral dialogue with Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev and discussed issues, including bilateral relations, regional and international developments. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov and discussed issues pertaining to bilateral defence and economic cooperation.

(With UNI inputs)