Ajit Doval Urges BRICS Nations to Counter Emerging Non-Traditional Security Threats

New Delhi, Jun 23: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday called for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations to tackle emerging security threats, warning that rapid technological advancements, cyber vulnerabilities and evolving forms of terrorism are posing unprecedented challenges to global stability.

Addressing the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Doval said the world is passing through a period of significant geopolitical turbulence marked by military conflicts, economic pressures and fast-changing security dynamics.

“We are meeting at a very tumultuous time. The world is beleaguered by military conflicts and complex security problems. It is facing geopolitical uncertainties, economic strains and disruptive technology,” Doval said.

He noted that conventional security frameworks are increasingly struggling to respond effectively to modern challenges. According to him, threats are not only multiplying but are also becoming more sophisticated, making existing institutional mechanisms less effective in preventing or mitigating conflicts.

Drawing attention to the changing nature of global risks, the NSA said non-traditional threats have crossed national boundaries and developed capabilities that often outpace traditional responses. He pointed to cyberattacks, technology-driven disruptions and concealed forms of terrorism as major concerns confronting nations in an increasingly digital environment.

“We need to be cognisant of the new security threats and challenges. Non-traditional threats have transcended national borders and developed defeat systems against conventional responses. Innovative disruptive technologies, more camouflaged variants of terrorism and cyber threats constitute an important challenge for all of us,” he said.

Doval informed the participants that discussions during the meeting would focus on ways to strengthen collective responses to these challenges. He also highlighted the significance of the outcomes achieved by the two BRICS Joint Working Groups dealing with counter-terrorism and security in information and communication technologies.

The NSA stressed that cooperation among member nations remains crucial in addressing shared concerns and enhancing resilience against emerging risks.

Reflecting on the broader role of BRICS, Doval described the grouping as a unique coalition of emerging economies that was initially created to strengthen economic cooperation and amplify the voice of the Global South. He said the bloc has evolved into an important platform for promoting multilateral engagement and institutional reforms in global governance.

Despite growing international challenges, he said BRICS continues to remain committed to collaborative approaches for addressing complex global issues and advancing the interests of developing nations.

Earlier, Doval welcomed key delegates attending the meeting, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ghadir Nezamipour, UAE Supreme Council for National Security Secretary-General Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi and South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The meeting commenced with discussions on regional and global security concerns, followed by a group photograph featuring the heads of security and national security representatives from participating countries.

Doval also described BRICS as a “very special coalition”, expressing confidence that both member and partner countries have an important role to play in shaping a more balanced and secure international order.