Doval hosts NSAs of BRICS nations amid West Asia tensions, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval hosted the BRICS NSAs meeting in New Delhi on June 22-23, 2026.
• Developments in West Asia formed a dominant backdrop for the discussions.
• Key attendees included Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
• The meeting focused on 'non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today'.
• Participants also reviewed outcomes of BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting aimed to survey the global security architecture amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
• NSA Doval's discussions with Iran's representative reviewed the West Asia situation and India-Iran bilateral ties.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the meeting between NSA Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as "forward looking," noting progress towards gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.
• Iran and China held a detailed sideline meeting, where China reaffirmed support for Iran's security and territorial integrity and expressed willingness to contribute to regional stability.
• BRICS serves as a crucial platform for its eleven member nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia—to coordinate on global and regional issues.
• India is holding the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time in 2026, guiding discussions under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability".

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An intergovernmental organization of eleven major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aiming to increase their sway in the global order.
• National Security Adviser (NSA): The chief advisor to the Prime Minister of India on national security policy and international affairs, coordinating intelligence and influencing foreign policy.
• Non-traditional security challenges: Threats that are not primarily military in nature, encompassing issues like terrorism, cyber-attacks, climate change, pandemics, and resource scarcity.
• West Asia: A geopolitically significant region at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, known for its vast energy resources and strategic trade routes.