BRICS Security Talks Begin Monday, Ajit Doval to Push India’s Counter-Terrorism Agenda

Ajit Doval to Chair Key BRICS Security Meet; Terrorism, West Asia and Global Conflicts on Agenda

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will chair a high-level meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in New Delhi from Monday, with terrorism, regional conflicts and emerging security challenges expected to dominate the agenda.

The two-day conclave assumes added significance as India hosts the meeting in its capacity as BRICS Chair for 2026, just months ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in the country in September.

Senior security officials from all BRICS member nations are expected to participate, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Nezamipour.

Focus on Terrorism and Regional Security

According to government sources, discussions are likely to centre on a range of pressing geopolitical and security issues, including cross-border terrorism, the conflict in West Asia, the Russia-Ukraine war and emerging regional flashpoints.

India is expected to use the platform to highlight concerns over cross-border terrorism and the activities of terror groups operating from Pakistani territory, particularly those targeting Jammu and Kashmir.

The evolving security situation in South Asia, including tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, may also feature during the deliberations.

With terrorism continuing to be a major concern for several BRICS members, officials are expected to explore ways to strengthen intelligence-sharing, counter-terror cooperation and coordinated responses to security threats.

Addressing New-Age Security Challenges

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said delegates will exchange views on the theme, “Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today.”

The discussions are expected to examine how rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping national security landscapes and creating new vulnerabilities for governments worldwide.

Cybersecurity, information warfare, critical infrastructure protection and the security implications of emerging technologies are likely to form a key part of the conversations.

Delegates will also review the work carried out by the BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and Security in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies, with the aim of enhancing cooperation in tackling both conventional and non-conventional threats.

Preparations for BRICS Summit

The meeting is widely viewed as an important stepping stone towards the BRICS Summit later this year, where leaders of member nations are expected to discuss economic cooperation, global governance reforms and geopolitical developments.

Ahead of the gathering, China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said member countries would exchange views on the international security environment, major regional developments and collective responses to emerging challenges.

He also emphasised Beijing’s willingness to deepen communication and coordination with fellow BRICS nations in order to strengthen political and security cooperation within the grouping.

Consensus Challenges Within BRICS

The discussions come at a time when BRICS faces increasing challenges in achieving consensus on major international issues.

Differences within the bloc were visible during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in May, which concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over developments in West Asia.

Since BRICS decisions are generally based on consensus, India had issued a chair’s statement and outcome document after member nations failed to arrive at a common position on certain issues.

The upcoming security meeting will therefore be closely watched for indications of how the expanded BRICS grouping plans to navigate growing geopolitical divisions while advancing cooperation on shared security concerns.

India’s Fourth BRICS Chairship

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

According to the MEA, the chairship is being guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The security conclave is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the agenda for the September summit while reinforcing cooperation among BRICS nations on some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.