NSA Ajit Doval on Moscow mission amid Trump's antics
NSA Ajit Doval's upcoming Moscow visit will prioritize expanding defence cooperation with Russia, potentially including the procurement of additional S-400 missile systems and discussions on Su-57 fighter jets. Talks may also cover establishing S-400 maintenance facilities in India and addressing the geopolitical situation, including Russian oil supplies to India amidst potential US tariffs.
Agencies National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (File photo) New Delhi: NSA Ajit Doval's Moscow trip beginning Wednesday will focus on expanding defence industry ties, including purchase of additional S-400 missile defence systems and dialogue on Su-57 fighter jets.
Besides the possible purchase of additional S-400 missile systems, the talks could include setting up S-400 MRO facilities in India and exploring options for acquiring Russia's Su-57 fighter jets, ET has learnt.
The S-400 systems played a major role in Operation Sindoor in thwarting Pakistan military's aggression. Similarly, BrahMos missiles jointly developed by India and Russia rattled the Pakistani military, according to informed sources.Ahead of Doval's visit, Indian ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar met Russia's deputy defence minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin. Doval could also meet President Vladimir Putin, incidentally at the time when the US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steven Witkoff is also in Moscow. This is Witkoff's fifth visit to Russia since the beginning of the year."The current escalation of the geopolitical situation will also be discussed. Apart from that the topics will include such pressing matters as supplies of Russian oil [to India]," a Russian source said. The visit acquires significance amid Trum's threat of imposing tariffs against India for purchasing Russian oil and fuelling war Ukraine war.
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