India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval strongly raised the issue of terrorism and regional security during the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters held in Moscow. Addressing the International Security Forum, Doval spoke about the growing global security challenges and stressed the need for countries to stand united against terrorism without any bias or selective approach.

The summit focused on “Challenges and Threats to International Security in the Context of the Emergence of the Multipolar World.” During his speech, Doval highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 innocent tourists lost their lives in an attack carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists. He brought the incident to the attention of global security leaders and called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism.

Doval thanked Russia for extending immediate support to India after the Pahalgam attack. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu for strongly condemning the attack and standing with India during the difficult time. He said the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia continues to remain an important pillar of stability at a time when the world is facing rising uncertainty and security threats.

The NSA also assured the gathering that India remains fully committed to fighting terrorism in all forms. He said India and Russia will continue working closely to strengthen global counter-terrorism efforts and eliminate terror networks. Doval underlined that terrorism remains one of the biggest threats to international peace and security.

During his address, Doval strongly criticised countries that continue to support or shelter terrorists. He warned against adopting selective approaches while dealing with terrorism and called for a clear and united stand from the international community. “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.

His remarks were seen as a direct message against state-sponsored terrorism and reflected India’s continued push for global accountability on the issue. Doval stressed that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and said countries supporting such activities must face international scrutiny.

Apart from terrorism, Doval also spoke about the growing security concerns in important global maritime routes. He expressed concern over increasing instability in major sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. According to him, rising threats in these regions could seriously affect global trade and energy supply chains.

He called for collective international action to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in these crucial maritime corridors. Doval said these routes are extremely important for maintaining global economic stability and energy security. He added that cooperation among nations is necessary to tackle emerging threats in these areas.

The Moscow summit brought together top security officials from several countries to discuss evolving global challenges in an increasingly multipolar world. Doval’s address focused on India’s concerns regarding terrorism, regional stability and maritime security, while also reaffirming the close strategic ties between India and Russia.

On the sidelines of the summit, Doval also shared an important diplomatic update regarding the upcoming BRICS Summit. He said he was “happy to know” that Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally visit India to attend the summit. The announcement is being viewed as a significant development in India-Russia relations and reflects the continued engagement between the two countries despite changing global dynamics.

Doval’s speech at the Moscow forum highlighted India’s strong position against terrorism and its call for a united global response. His remarks also reinforced India’s growing focus on wider international security concerns, including maritime stability and strategic cooperation with key partners like Russia.