New Delhi, June 23: India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, stated on Tuesday that BRICS is more than just a group of countries. He described it as a collective home for nearly half of the world’s population, playing a “special role” in addressing global challenges, especially during a time of increasing instability, geopolitical tensions, and evolving security threats.
During the 16th BRICS National Security Advisors meeting, NSA Doval welcomed his counterparts and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among member nations. He thanked the participating countries for their continuous engagement and support in advancing collaboration within the group.
In his opening remarks, NSA Doval expressed gratitude for the presence of attendees and their ongoing commitment to enhancing cooperation among BRICS nations.
Highlighting the current global situation, he noted that the world is facing a particularly challenging phase, characterized by armed conflicts, geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, and disruptive technologies that are altering the international security landscape.
“We are meeting at a very difficult time. The world is grappling with military conflicts and complex security issues. It is facing geopolitical uncertainties, economic pressures, and disruptive technologies,” he stated.
Doval emphasized that the challenges confronting the international community are becoming increasingly difficult to manage, while existing institutional frameworks and conflict resolution methods are struggling to respond effectively.
He remarked, “Not only are the threats becoming more complex and interconnected, but the means and institutional mechanisms to address or mitigate their impact are also proving to be consistently inadequate.”
Expressing concern over the weakening of multilateral cooperation, NSA Doval pointed out the decline of multilateralism in the global system at a time when collaboration is more essential than ever.
Recalling the original vision behind the formation of BRICS, he noted, “Multilateralism is diminishing.”
According to the NSA, BRICS was envisioned as an informal group of emerging economies aimed at promoting a more “multipolar world order,” enhancing economic cooperation, and amplifying the voice of the Global South in international affairs.
He added that the group was also established with the hope of improving the global governance structure and enhancing international institutions to better reflect today’s realities and the interests of developing countries.
NSA Doval described BRICS as a “very special coalition” of countries linked by common aspirations for peace, development, economic growth, and cooperation. He expressed satisfaction with the group’s ongoing expansion and growing influence on the global stage.
“This is not just an ordinary group; it is a home to 1.4 billion people, accounting for nearly 49% of the world’s population. Together, it contributes $31.5 trillion to global wealth. Its GDP represents over 30% of the world’s economy, and it spans more than 42 million square kilometers. Importantly, it is a diverse group with varied experiences from different regions,” he stated.
Emphasizing the significance of BRICS in today’s global environment, he said, “We have a special role in a world that is in turmoil, one that is changing, where methods of conflict resolution may be diminishing.”
NSA Doval also referenced recent diplomatic developments involving the United States and Iran, welcoming the reported memorandum of understanding between the two nations. He noted that India is cautiously optimistic about this development, hoping it will contribute positively to regional and global stability.
“We hope this will work. It will aid energy security. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a significant improvement. It will alleviate supply chain disruptions and address various deficiencies in fertilizers and chemicals. The navigation freedoms granted to countries in this region and beyond may significantly enhance our economic prosperity,” he remarked.
Regarding emerging security concerns, NSA Doval stressed that BRICS member countries must remain alert to evolving threats that increasingly cross national borders and are often challenging to address with traditional methods.
He explained that non-traditional security challenges have become more complex and dynamic, rendering conventional responses less effective.
“Non-traditional threats have transcended national borders and have created systems that undermine traditional responses. New disruptive technologies, hidden forms of terrorism, and cyber threats in an increasingly digitized world pose significant dangers to us. Today, we will address some of these non-traditional security challenges in our collective discussions,” he stated.
NSA Doval further mentioned that the meeting will discuss the outcomes of BRICS joint working groups on counter-terrorism and the use of information and communication technology in security, both of which have gained importance in the rapidly changing global security environment.
India is currently chairing the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting, where top security officials from member nations are convening to discuss global security challenges and strengthen cooperation on strategic issues.
National security advisors and heads of delegations from BRICS member countries are participating in this meeting.
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