National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday described BRICS as a “very special coalition” and highlighted the growing significance of the grouping, saying member nations have an important role to play in addressing global challenges amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Addressing the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Doval said the discussions were taking place at a time when the world was facing multiple security and economic challenges.
“We are meeting at a very tumultuous time. The world is beleaguered by military conflicts and complex security problems. It is facing geopolitical uncertainties, economic strains, and disruptive technology. Not only are the threats compounding, but the instruments and institutional mechanisms are increasingly proving inadequate to resolve or mitigate these conflicts. Multilateralism is on the decline,” he said.
Emphasising the evolving role of BRICS in global governance, Doval said the grouping was originally conceived as a platform for emerging economies to promote economic cooperation, strengthen the voice of the Global South and support reforms in international institutions.
“BRICS was conceived as an informal grouping of emerging economies for a more multipolar world order. It was intended to advance economic cooperation and strengthen the voice of the Global South. It also envisioned reforms in global governance and institutional improvements. BRICS is a very special coalition of countries that believe in peace, progress, development and cooperation. I’m happy to see that it is gaining strength day by day,” he said.
Highlighting the bloc’s responsibilities amid ongoing global challenges, Doval said BRICS countries bring diverse experiences and perspectives that can contribute to addressing international conflicts and instability.
“We are here from different continents and regions, bringing with us diverse experiences. We have got a very special role to play in this world, which appears to be in turmoil, a world that is changing and where the instruments of conflict resolution are probably getting blunted. What role we as a grouping can play is a matter that is important for us to ponder,” he added.
The meeting began with Doval welcoming senior representatives from BRICS member countries, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ghadir Nezamipour, UAE Supreme Council for National Security Secretary-General Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, and South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
A group photograph of the participating national security and senior security officials was taken at the start of the meeting.
India will assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026 for the fourth time, having previously held the position in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The chairship will be guided by the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting the people-centric and humanity-first approach outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.
BRICS currently comprises 11 emerging economies — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
(With inputs from ANI)
