National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's upcoming visit to Moscow is poised to serve several important diplomatic objectives, according to Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev. Doval's visit is scheduled amid heightened international focus and includes his participation in the BRICS National Security Advisors (NSA) meeting.

Sachdev outlined the visit's primary goals, stating that the first objective is Doval's attendance at the BRICS NSA meeting, where high-level security officials from BRICS countries will convene. However, Sachdev emphasized that Doval's visit has additional, more critical objectives beyond this meeting.

One key aspect of Doval's trip is expected to be carrying a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia’s NSA and President Vladimir Putin. The message is likely related to recent developments, including Modi’s discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sachdev noted that Modi has expressed India's willingness to contribute positively towards resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to understand the positions of all parties involved.

"The visit of National Security Advisor Doval to Moscow has multiple objectives," Sachdev said. "While participating in the BRICS NSA meeting is a significant part of the visit, it is also crucial for Mr. Doval to discuss with Russian counterparts about the message from Prime Minister Modi."

Sachdev also highlighted a secondary objective of Doval’s visit: engaging with China’s NSA. This meeting could pave the way for a potential summit between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, possibly occurring in Kazan, Russia, in October during the BRICS summit. This would mark an opportunity to explore bilateral discussions on various issues.

The visit comes at a time when India's foreign policy approach towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict is drawing attention from Western nations. Sachdev noted that the U.S. and its allies are observing India's diplomatic maneuvering with interest. While Western countries appreciate India’s proactive stance, they also anticipate India to push for a ceasefire favorable to Ukraine and NATO. India’s role, however, is expected to be that of an honest broker or mediator rather than a direct advocate for one side.

The backdrop to Doval's visit includes Prime Minister Modi’s recent engagements with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Modi’s statements during his meetings emphasized the need for peace and dialogue over conflict, stressing that solutions cannot emerge from the battlefield. His remarks in Moscow and Kyiv underscored India's commitment to peace and its role in facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties.

Doval’s visit to Moscow will follow Modi’s own trips to Russia and Ukraine, which were part of India's broader diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Modi's approach has consistently focused on advocating for peace and dialogue, reflecting India’s longstanding position on international conflicts.

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