India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will chair the two-day gathering of senior security officials from 11 BRICS nations on Monday in New Delhi. Deliberations are expected to cover threats ranging from terrorism and cybersecurity risks to the growing security implications of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
One of the most closely watched developments will be the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, whose arrival will mark his first trip to India in nearly a year. Recall that both countries have been seeking to stabilise relations after years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
Diplomatic sources believe Wang could hold separate meetings with Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. While BRICS security cooperation will dominate the official agenda, bilateral issues between India and China are also likely to feature in conversations.
The meeting’s central theme, non-traditional security challenges, reflects how threats facing countries today extend far beyond conventional military conflicts. Cyber intrusions, digital espionage, misinformation campaigns, terrorist networks and weaknesses in critical infrastructure have become matters of urgent concern for governments across the world.
Delegates are expected to discuss the work of BRICS joint working groups on counter-terrorism and information security and look for ways to improve coordination among member states. Discussions are expected to focus on balancing innovation with safeguards to prevent misuse.
For India, the meeting is an opportunity to showcase its leadership within BRICS at a time when the grouping is expanding its global influence.
New Delhi has repeatedly highlighted the need for a stronger voice for developing countries in international decision-making, and its presidency this year has been built around the themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
The outcomes of the security advisers’ meeting are expected to help shape priorities for the BRICS Summit scheduled for September. As global tensions continue to simmer across multiple regions, the New Delhi gathering could provide an important platform for member countries to find common ground on some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.
