Ajit Doval To Lead BRICS Security Meet From Monday; Talks On Terrorism, West Asia Crisis In Focus

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is set to chair a crucial two-day meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in New Delhi beginning Monday, with cross-border terrorism, the evolving security situation in West Asia, and other pressing geopolitical challenges expected to dominate the discussions.

The conclave, being hosted by India in its capacity as the current BRICS Chair, will bring together top security officials from member nations, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Deputy Secretary Nezamipour is also expected to participate in the deliberations, according to reports.

The meeting is being

viewed as a key preparatory exercise ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in India in September.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the National Security Advisers and heads of delegation will exchange views on the theme, ‘Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today’.

The discussions are expected to focus on the rapidly changing nature of national security threats and the role of emerging technologies in shaping new security challenges.

Government sources cited by PTI indicated that regional security developments, including the conflict in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war, are likely to figure prominently in the talks. India is also expected to raise concerns related to terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorist activities targeting Jammu and Kashmir by groups based in Pakistan.

The ongoing tensions and hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan could also come up during the discussions.

The MEA said delegates will review the outcomes of the recently held BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and on Security in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies.

The review is expected to contribute to broader discussions on strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries in tackling both conventional and non-conventional security threats.

Ahead of the meeting, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said Beijing would exchange views with other BRICS members on the current international security situation, major international and regional issues, and collective responses to conventional and non-conventional security challenges.

In a post on X, he said the discussions would help prepare politically for the BRICS Summit in September and expressed China’s willingness to enhance communication and coordination with fellow BRICS members to strengthen political and security cooperation.

The gathering assumes significance against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and differing positions within the bloc on key international issues.

PTI noted that the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in May concluded without a joint statement due to sharp differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over developments in West Asia.

As BRICS functions based on consensus, India issued a chair’s statement and outcome document after unanimity could not be achieved on certain issues.

India is holding the BRICS chairship for the fourth time in 2026.

According to the MEA, the chairship is guided by the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’.

The grouping now comprises eleven major emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and has evolved into a major platform for consultations on global political, economic and security issues.

The New Delhi security conclave is expected to lay the groundwork for discussions at the leaders’ summit later this year, with member countries seeking common approaches to a rapidly evolving global security landscape.