Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Thursday during the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting. The Russian Embassy in India shared a picture of Doval and Putin shaking hands on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

As a further escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict appears likely, India’s possible role in peace negotiations have come into sharp focus, in the wake of recent diplomatic activity, mainly of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Ajit Doval.

India should play a more active role in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine if it wants to win a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, Ukraine’s ambassador in New Delhi said.

Exclusive: Families confirm to The Independent that the men have been released from duty and are now in Moscow awaiting paperwork for their journeys back to India

India's diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have gathered pace. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is travelling to Russia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the US after that.

What is important for us is the reality of the conflict that is taking place today in different ways. India has had some involvement with various specific initiatives, the Green Corridor, matters relating to the security of the Chap Rogier nuclear station and and some other discussions both in Moscow and in Kiev.

The Ukrainian side expects India to share responsibility on global issues as part of its efforts to secure a seat at the UNSC and the Indian side should frame a “concrete plan for diplomacy and dialog