India and Russia have held the seventh round of consultations under the India-Russia Special Mechanism on Pakistan and Afghanistan in New Delhi, underlining the continued importance both countries attach to regional security coordination and their long-standing strategic relationship.

The discussions were co-chaired by India's Deputy National Security Adviser, Pavan Kapoor, and Russia's Deputy Secretary of the Security Council, Aleksandr Venediktov.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting covered a broad range of issues of mutual concern, with particular attention given to developments relating to Pakistan and Afghanistan and their wider implications for international security.

Both sides reviewed current regional trends and exchanged assessments on challenges affecting stability and security across the region.

India and Russia also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the framework of their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, a key pillar of bilateral relations that has evolved over several decades.

The consultations reflected the continuing strategic dialogue between New Delhi and Moscow on sensitive geopolitical and security matters.

During his visit to the Indian capital, Venediktov also met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, highlighting the high-level nature of the engagement.

The Special Mechanism serves as an important bilateral platform through which India and Russia coordinate perspectives on developments in Pakistan and Afghanistan and assess their implications for regional and global security.

The latest round of talks comes at a time when Afghanistan remains a major focus of regional diplomacy, with concerns ranging from security and terrorism to humanitarian and political stability.

Recent regional discussions, including Moscow-led consultations on Afghanistan, have also focused on tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, making continued dialogue between India and Russia particularly significant.

The meeting additionally demonstrated the sustained momentum in India-Russia engagement despite wider geopolitical changes and shifting international alignments.

Earlier the same day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described India as a "natural option" for Russia as Moscow increasingly deepens its engagement with Asia amid strained ties with Europe.

Speaking during a conversation with Bloomberg New Economy Forum Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait, Jaishankar noted that Russia's relations with Europe had deteriorated following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, encouraging Moscow to strengthen connections across Asia.

He stressed that India and Russia have maintained stable and constructive relations for roughly 75 to 80 years, adding that preserving those ties serves the interests of both nations.

EAM Jaishankar further remarked that India's long-standing relationship with Russia makes it a natural partner as Moscow broadens its Asian outreach, while also expressing India's preference for Russia to maintain meaningful relationships throughout the region.

The External Affairs Minister also emphasised the broader strategic value of India-Russia cooperation, stating that the partnership has contributed to maintaining balance, stability and the overall regional status quo in Asia.

Additional context: The India-Russia Special Mechanism on Pakistan and Afghanistan has emerged as a dedicated channel for assessing security developments in the region, complementing wider bilateral engagement between New Delhi and Moscow, which spans diplomacy, energy, defence, trade, connectivity and regional security cooperation.

ANI