There are no “double standards” in the fight against terrorism, says NSA Ajit Doval in Russia

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval meets his counterpart Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the first International Security Forum. Photo: X/@IndEmbMoscow

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval called for decisive action against terrorism and said “double standards” cannot be used to fight it when he addressed an international security forum in Russia on Thursday (May 28, 2026), the Indian embassy in Moscow said.

Mr. Doval participated in the first International Security Forum and the 14th meeting of high-level representatives on security issues in Moscow.

“The meeting was hosted by Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation,” the embassy said in a post on X, which went on to say the forum discussed “challenges and threats to international security in connection with the emergence of a multipolar world.”

NSA Shri Aji Doval met his counterpart Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on the sidelines of the first International Security Forum. They reviewed the ongoing cooperation in the field of defense, security, energy and economic ties. Both sides also… pic.twitter.com/1v44Rgnxw4

— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) May 28, 2026

“(NSA) stated that there cannot be double standards in the fight against terrorism. Responsible states must evaluate their choices and decide whether to support the sponsors of terrorism or to take decisive action against them,” the embassy said.

Mr. Doval also “stressed the urgent need for reforms in the structures and institutions created after the end of World War II in 1945 to make them effective in dealing with contemporary international security threats.”

“Reforms must provide greater representation and take into account the views of the Global South,” it said.

Referring to the situation in West Asia, Mr Doval was quoted as saying it was essential to ensure “the safe and uninterrupted movement of trade through international waterways including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea”.

The embassy said Mr Doval would also hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the forum on Thursday (May 28, 2026) and Friday (May 29, 2026) – but gave no further details.

Mr. Doval’s visit to Russia comes amid a fragile geopolitical situation marked by ongoing conflict in West Asia, concerns about maritime security on key global trade routes and intensifying competition among major powers for an emerging multipolar world order.

The Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked for three months due to the conflict, and the Red Sea are among the most critical shipping corridors in the world. They have a substantial share of global energy supplies and trade. Any disruption to these waterways has implications for energy prices, supply chains and economic stability across Asia and beyond.

The visit also comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to weigh on global security and economic stability, with Moscow’s relations with the West remaining strained more than four years after the war began. The conflict has changed the geopolitical order, disrupted energy and food chains, and intensified debates about the future global security architecture.

On Wednesday (May 27, 2026), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Cyprus and discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments on the battlefield and efforts to achieve a “comprehensive and lasting peace”.

“As Europe increases its responsibility, we would welcome India’s strong voice and input,” Sybiha said in a post on social media after the meeting.

India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukrainian conflict while maintaining close relations with both Russia and Ukraine.

Published – 28 May 2026 20:32 IST