India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval, attended the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday. The meeting, held between September 10 and 12, brought together high-level security officials from the BRICS and BRICS Plus nations to discuss global security challenges, particularly in the realm of information and communication technology (ICT) and terrorism.
Doval’s presence underscored India’s commitment to addressing these issues through multilateral cooperation, with the BRICS framework being a central pillar of this collaborative effort.
Addressing Modern Security Challenges
During the first half of the meeting, Doval shared insights on modern security challenges, emphasizing the rapid evolution of ICT and its increasing relevance in both national and global security contexts.
He highlighted the growing threat of cyber-attacks and other ICT-related issues, underscoring the need for collective action within the BRICS framework. Terrorism, another critical global security concern, was also a focal point of Doval’s speech, where he stressed the importance of joint efforts in countering terrorist activities.
The Indian Embassy in Russia took to social media to share key moments from the meeting, posting images of the gathering. “NSA Shri Ajit Doval is participating in the BRICS NSAs meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
During the sessions in the first half of the day, he spoke on modern security challenges, including ICT-related issues and terrorism, and the need to address them through joint efforts within the BRICS framework,” the embassy posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship and New Members
In 2024, Russia holds the chairmanship of BRICS, an informal grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit also marked the first meeting of BRICS with its newly expanded membership, as Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia officially joined the bloc in 2023.
This expansion reflects the growing influence and importance of BRICS as a platform for emerging economies to collaborate on a range of global issues, including security, trade, and technological innovation.
Doval’s participation in the Saint Petersburg meeting followed his attendance at the 13th BRICS NSA meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in July 2023. The continuity of India’s engagement in BRICS discussions underscores its commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation on security issues, especially in light of shifting global dynamics.
India’s Diplomatic Efforts Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions
Doval’s visit to Moscow also comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic efforts in both Russia and Ukraine in recent months.
Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of India’s ongoing commitment to promoting peace and diplomacy. The meetings marked Modi’s first visit to the region since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted in 2022.
India has consistently advocated for peaceful solutions to the war, calling for negotiations and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. During his July visit to Russia, Modi and Putin held talks at the Kremlin, exploring ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade, security, agriculture, and technology.
Modi’s efforts highlight India’s role as a key player in global diplomatic and security discussions, balancing relationships with major powers while advocating for peaceful conflict resolution.
Ajit Doval’s participation in the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in Saint Petersburg reflects India’s active role in addressing modern security challenges through multilateral cooperation.
With the BRICS framework expanding and evolving, India’s emphasis on collective efforts to combat threats like terrorism and ICT-related vulnerabilities showcases its dedication to ensuring global security.
Additionally, India’s diplomatic engagements in Russia and Ukraine, led by PM Modi, further solidify the nation’s commitment to peace and cooperation in addressing global crises.
