NEW DELHI: India reinforced its growing role in global security diplomacy as National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval held a series of significant bilateral meetings with senior officials from Russia, Ethiopia and several other BRICS nations during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers (NSAs) Meeting held in New Delhi on June 22 and 23 under India’s chairship. The high-level engagements highlighted New Delhi’s efforts to deepen strategic partnerships and build consensus on emerging international security challenges.
The two-day summit, chaired by Ajit Doval, brought together National Security Advisers, intelligence chiefs and senior security representatives from the expanded BRICS grouping. The discussions focused on the theme “Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today,” with participating countries exchanging views on terrorism, cyber threats, artificial intelligence, energy security and regional geopolitical developments.
India-Russia Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed
On June 23, NSA Ajit Doval met Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the summit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides reviewed their ongoing cooperation within the BRICS framework and discussed several proposals put forward by Russia.
The leaders also assessed progress across various areas of bilateral cooperation under the long-standing India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
India and Russia continue to maintain close strategic ties in sectors ranging from defence and energy to technology and multilateral diplomacy. The meeting underscored both nations’ commitment to further strengthening cooperation amid an increasingly complex global security environment.
India-Ethiopia Partnership Gains Momentum
On June 22, Doval also met Million Lema Tadesse, Executive Director of Analysis at Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service. The discussions centred on identifying new areas of cooperation to further strengthen the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership.
Both sides explored opportunities to expand engagement in strategic sectors, including intelligence-sharing, security collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.
The meeting reflected India’s broader outreach towards African nations and its growing emphasis on strengthening ties with emerging economies across the Global South. Ethiopia’s expanding role within BRICS has also made the relationship increasingly important for New Delhi’s diplomatic agenda.
Wider Diplomatic Outreach During BRICS Meet
Apart from Russia and Ethiopia, Ajit Doval also engaged with several other senior leaders participating in the summit.
He held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides acknowledging progress towards the gradual normalisation of India-China relations after years of border tensions. The meeting was seen as an important step in maintaining dialogue between the two Asian powers.
Doval also interacted with Iranian representatives amid evolving developments in West Asia and emphasised India’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring regional stability. These engagements demonstrated India’s intention to utilise BRICS as a platform for building trust, addressing differences and promoting cooperative solutions to global challenges.
Focus On Emerging Security Challenges
The 16th BRICS NSAs Meeting assumed added significance as the international community faces multiple overlapping crises. During the deliberations, leaders focused on threats that increasingly transcend geographical boundaries and require collective responses.
Major areas discussed included:
- Counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation
- Cybersecurity and digital resilience
- Artificial intelligence governance
- Information and communication technology security
- Energy security and supply chain stability
- Regional conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties
- Combating transnational organised crime
Participants also reviewed the functioning of BRICS working groups dedicated to counter-terrorism and information security cooperation.
India’s Chairship Signals Greater Leadership Role
India’s hosting of the summit reflects New Delhi’s expanding influence within the BRICS bloc, which now consists of 11 member countries following its recent expansion.
The 2026 chairship is expected to focus on strengthening resilience, enhancing innovation and promoting sustainable multilateral cooperation among member nations.
By bringing together key security leaders from major emerging economies, India is positioning itself as an important bridge between developed and developing nations while simultaneously amplifying the voice of the Global South on international platforms.
The bilateral meetings held by NSA Ajit Doval during the summit further underline India’s strategic approach of combining diplomacy, security cooperation and multilateral engagement to tackle evolving global challenges.
As geopolitical uncertainties continue to reshape international relations, India’s leadership within BRICS is increasingly becoming a vital component of its broader foreign policy vision aimed at creating a more stable, secure and inclusive global order.
