India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Holds Meetings with Russian and Iranian Counterparts in South Africa

India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held separate meetings with his Russian and Iranian counterparts on the sidelines of a BRICS meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday. The meetings were held to review security and economic cooperation between the three countries.

With Russian NSA Nikolay Patrushev, Doval discussed Russia-India cooperation on security issues and interaction in the economic field. The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific region.

With Iranian NSA Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, Doval discussed ways to enhance bilateral security and economic cooperation. The two sides also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the need for cooperation to combat terrorism.

Doval's meetings with his Russian and Iranian counterparts come at a time when India is looking to strengthen its ties with both countries. Russia is India's largest arms supplier and a key strategic partner, while Iran is a major trading partner and a potential source of energy.

The meetings are also seen as a sign of India's growing engagement with the wider Eurasian region. BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The grouping has been meeting annually since 2009 to discuss issues of common interest.

The meetings in Johannesburg are the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between India and Russia and India and Iran. In recent months, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on several occasions.

The meetings reflect India's growing strategic importance in the Eurasian region. India is seen as a key player in the fight against terrorism and in the maintenance of regional stability. The meetings also demonstrate India's commitment to strengthening its ties with its key partners in the region.