ECFR world survey wrt Ukraine conflict:-

 Indians are more Russian than Russians!

Reason?

1- Russia/China propaganda- NO

2-  Skepticism of West- Somewhat 

3- US/Europe deep state/commentator criticism of India and PM Narendra Modi - To some extent

4- Love for Russia- YES, Love+ Empathy

 "Import from Russia is in national interest. It will continue"

- Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister 

 

"NSA Shri Ajit Doval also called on the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin and had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues. It was agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership."

MEA Press Release 

 

Visit of NSA to Moscow (07-09 February 2023)

MEA Press Release

NSA Shri Ajit Doval visited Moscow from 07-09 February 2023. He participated at the 5th Multilateral Meeting of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan on 08 February 2023. Apart from the host country, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were represented at this meeting. Issues discussed included the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan.

In his remarks, NSA stressed the need to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan does not become a source of radicalization and terrorism, regionally or globally, as well as to intensify intelligence and security cooperation to deal with terror outfits, including those designated under the UNSCR 1267. He also pointed out that the well-being and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people is India’s foremost priority. 

NSA Shri Ajit Doval also called on the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin and had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral and regional issues. It was agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership. 

On 09 February 2023, NSA Shri Ajit Doval held a bilateral dialogue with Secretary of the Russian Security Council, His Excellency Nikolai Patrushev and discussed issues, including bilateral relations, regional and international developments. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Minister of Trade and Industry, His Excellency Denis Manturov and discussed issues pertaining to bilateral defence and economic cooperation. 

Moscow
February 09, 2023

 Kanwal Sibal (Former Indian Foreign Secretary)

"This is very significant. Putin has never met our NSAs before. He does not meet our EAMs either except as far as I know when I organised Natwar Singh to call on him while I was ambassador. Clearly, NSA carried an important message from Modi."

 Unprecedented! and Big deal!!

President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin gave an audience to Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser of India.

"India in Russia" twitted- "NSA Ajit Doval called on HE President Putin. Wide-ranging discussion on bilateral and regional issues. Agreed to continue work towards implementing the India-Russia strategic partnership."

Perhaps Doval delivered a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Message of support and solidarity?

 India can not afford to lose Russia. it would be geo-strategic hara-kiri.

Crux of India's Ukraine-Russia policy.