NSA Ajit Doval to visit Russia next week, delivery of S-400 missile defence system likely on agenda
NSA Ajit Doval (File photo)
NEW DELHI: National Security Adviser (NSA)
Ajit Doval
is expected to visit Moscow next week, where he is likely to press the Russian government for the expedited delivery of the remaining two S-400 air defence systems.
The NSA's visit comes amid reports that India may place fresh orders for additional units of the same system to bolster its military capabilities.
The trip will follow a visit by a delegation of Indian Members of Parliament to Moscow, beginning Thursday.
Doval's visit carries added significance in the wake of India's recent air strikes in Pakistan under
Operation Sindoor
. The operation saw the use of BrahMos missiles, developed jointly by India and Russia, and the S-400 system, among other Russian-origin defence platforms that played a key role in the conflict.
India is now looking to deepen its political and strategic coordination with Moscow, particularly in countering terror infrastructure based in Pakistan. Sources said that New Delhi expects Russia's continued support in line with the longstanding India-Russia security partnership.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a major Eurasian power, Russia has historically played a balancing role in the region.
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The Indo-Russian relationship has frequently acted as a counterweight to other global powers in Eurasia. Moscow has also been one of India's most consistent partners in counter-terrorism cooperation over the decades.
Doval is expected to take part in the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, scheduled to be held in Moscow from May 27 to 29. The event will be chaired by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.
On the sidelines, Doval is slated to hold bilateral meetings with various national security counterparts, including Shoigu himself.
What is S-400 Sudarshan Chakra?
The S-400 "Sudarshan Chakra" is an Indian name given to the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system acquired from Russia. The term "Sudarshan Chakra" draws from the Epic Mahabharata, symbolising precision, speed, and lethal capability, qualities that closely reflect the S-400's operational strengths.
Developed by Russia's Almaz-Antey, the S-400 is among the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems in the world. India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to procure five S-400 units, with the first system deployed in Punjab in 2021 to bolster defences against threats from Pakistan and China. The S-400 can engage aerial targets at ranges of up to 400 km and detect threats as far as 600 km away.
It supports four different types of missiles, enabling it to target everything from aircraft and drones to cruise and ballistic missiles. Equipped with sophisticated phased-array radar, the system can track over 100 targets simultaneously and is mounted on mobile launchers for rapid repositioning.
The deployment of the S-400 significantly strengthens India's multi-layered air defence capabilities, offering a strategic edge in protecting key military and civilian assets. It is widely regarded as a game-changer in South Asia's aerial defence landscape.
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