'No double standards on terror': NSA Ajit Doval raises Pahalgam attack at Moscow security summit

India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval delivered a powerful address on global terrorism and regional security at the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters in Moscow.

Speaking at the International Security Forum, which focused on the "Challenges and Threats to International Security in the Context of the Emergence of the Multipolar World," Doval used the platform to directly confront cross-border terrorism while reinforcing the bedrock strategic alliance between New Delhi and Moscow.

Pahalgam attack raised on global stage

NSA Doval raised the recent horrific Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent civilian tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

Doval expressed deep gratitude to the Russian Federation, specifically thanking President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, for their immediate, unconditional condemnation of the attack and their unwavering support for India during the crisis.

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He said that the special, long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia remains a vital anchor of stability in the current volatile global situation. Doval assured the forum that India is as fiercely committed as Russia to combating global terror, vowing that both nations will work together to crush it completely.

'No double standards' on terror

Addressing the assembly of global security chiefs, Doval issued a warning against the politicisation of counter-terrorism efforts, targeting state sponsors of terror.

"There can be no double standards in the fight against terrorism," Doval stated. "The international community must look past geopolitical convenience. Countries must make a clear choice: either actively support global counter-terror efforts or be recognised as defenders of those who sponsor and harbour terrorists," he went on.

As the forum deliberated on navigating a rapidly evolving multipolar world order, Doval expanded India’s security calculus to critical global maritime chokepoints.

He voiced deep concerns over rising instability and threats to freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes, specifically highlighting growing vulnerabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Doval called for unified, collective international action to secure these maritime corridors, which are essential for global trade and energy security.

Putin confirmed for Brics summit in India

On the sidelines of the security summit, the NSA shared a major diplomatic update, stating he was "happy to know" that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be personally travelling to India to attend the upcoming Brics Summit.