PM Modi Calls for Deeper BRICS Security Cooperation; Doval Terms Grouping 'Very Special Coalition'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met with National Security Advisors and senior security officials from BRICS nations, emphasising the group's growing role in addressing global security challenges. The meeting, held in New Delhi, comes as India chairs the bloc for 2024.

In his remarks, Modi said BRICS is a crucial platform for strengthening security cooperation in a rapidly changing global landscape. He called on member nations—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE—to enhance collaboration and tackle shared vulnerabilities. 'In a changing global landscape, BRICS has a vital role in deepening security cooperation and addressing shared challenges, from terrorism and cybersecurity to emerging technologies,' Modi posted on X.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to its chairmanship agenda, 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. He added, 'India's chairmanship will seek to advance practical cooperation, support the priorities of the Global South and contribute to a safer, more secure and inclusive world.'

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, in his televised opening remarks, highlighted the 'geopolitical uncertainties and economic strains' facing the world and called for the group to play a more significant role in addressing these challenges. Doval described BRICS as a 'very special coalition' and expressed satisfaction over its expansion.

Doval welcomed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding on ending hostilities in West Asia, stating it would stabilise global energy security. 'The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a very welcome development. It will remove supply chain bottlenecks and (address) shortages in sectors like fertilisers and chemicals,' he said.

'We are meeting at a very tumultuous time. The world is facing geopolitical uncertainties, economic strains, and disruptive technology. Not only are the threats compounding, but the instruments and institutional mechanisms are increasingly finding themselves inadequate to resolve or mitigate these conflicts,' Doval added, noting that 'multilateralism is on the decline.'

Against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the talks focused on non-traditional threats such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and risks from emerging technologies.