India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval called for an end to double standards regarding global terrorism during a speech in Moscow on Thursday.
The remarks signal India's growing frustration with the inconsistent application of international counter-terrorism laws and the perceived failure of global institutions to maintain a unified front against militant threats.
Doval spoke at the first [1] International Security Forum and the 14th [2] Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters. The event was hosted by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. During the proceedings, Doval said nations should adopt a unified effort against terrorism, arguing that the current approach is fragmented and ineffective [3].
Central to Doval's address was the claim that some nations maintain double standards by designating certain groups as terrorists while ignoring others based on political convenience [4]. He said that this inconsistency undermines the global fight against extremism and allows terror networks to persist across borders.
Beyond the fight against terrorism, Doval addressed the state of international governance. He said the UN is in a serious crisis [5]. This assessment comes as India continues to push for the reform of international security bodies to better reflect current geopolitical realities and ensure more equitable representation in decision-making processes [3].
While the forum focused on security, the visit also served as a platform for bilateral discussions. Doval and Russian officials reviewed energy and defense ties to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations [6]. The meetings emphasized a shared interest in stability and the prevention of cross-border terrorism, which India has long identified as a primary security threat.
“India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval called for an end to double standards regarding global terrorism.”
Doval's critique of 'double standards' reflects India's long-standing diplomatic struggle to get the international community to designate specific state-sponsored actors as terrorists. By delivering this message in Moscow, India is leveraging its strategic partnership with Russia to challenge the Western-led security architecture and advocate for a multipolar approach to global security and UN governance.
