Defence, Energy, Space on Agenda as Ajit Doval Meets Russian Deputy PM in Moscow

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held high level discussions with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Moscow, focusing on strengthening cooperation in key strategic sectors including defence, energy and space .

The meeting comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, with ongoing conflict in West Asia, rising concerns over maritime security, and intensifying competition among major powers shaping an emerging multipolar world order.

Doval arrived in Moscow on Wednesday and participated in the International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters . During his visit, he also met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu before engaging with Manturov.

According to Russian state media reports, Doval was given a guided tour of Russia’s National Space Center . He and Manturov also visited the Roscosmos Joint Industry Information Center , which monitors and analyses large volumes of data from Russia’s space and rocket systems.

The two leaders reportedly took part in a live video interaction with Russian cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station , who briefed them on a recent spacewalk conducted on May 27.

India and Russia share a long standing partnership in space cooperation dating back to the 1960s. In 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space aboard a Soviet Soyuz mission. Russia continues to support India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme .

Earlier at the security forum, Doval strongly underlined the need for decisive global action against terrorism and stressed that there should be no double standards in addressing the threat.

He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding international trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea , calling for uninterrupted movement of global shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remain among the world’s most critical maritime corridors, carrying significant volumes of global energy and trade. Any disruption, he noted, can have far reaching consequences for energy prices, supply chains and global economic stability.