Russia and India linked by ‘strong bond'
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu held talks with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Moscow on Thursday. The top aide to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Russian capital to discuss defense and security-related matters.
'Russia and India are linked by strong, trusting, time-tested bonds of friendship,' Shoigu told Doval. 'For our country, the comprehensive strengthening of the special privileged strategic partnership with India, based on mutual respect, equal consideration of each other's interests and the desire to advance a unifying agenda, is of paramount importance.'
Shoigu said Moscow and New Delhi are looking to create 'a new, more just and sustainable world order, ensuring the supremacy of international law and jointly combating modern challenges and threats.'
Doval told Shoigu that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is grateful for Moscow's support in the wake of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in April. 'I would also like to thank you and Russia and particularly President Putin,' he said, reiterating that New Delhi is as committed as Moscow to fighting terrorism.
'We are very excited and delighted to learn about the visit of His Excellency the President of Russia, President Putin to India,' Doval said, addying that the dates of the visit are 'almost finalized.'
Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi at the end of this year for the annual bilateral summit with Modi. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is also expected to travel to the Russian capital later this month, sources told RT.
Doval's visit comes as New Delhi is under pressure from Washington to stop importing Russian oil. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that imposed an additional 25% tariff on imports from India due to its oil trade with Russia. In effect, most Indian exports to the US will be charged a 50% tariff.
India has called the measures 'extremely unfortunate,' while pledging to protect its own national interests.
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