Doval Warns of Evolving Non-Traditional Security Threats
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday raised concerns over emerging security threats in an increasingly digitized world, calling them a key issue for deliberation at the 16th BRICS National Security Adviser meeting in New Delhi. Speaking at the gathering, Doval asserted that non-traditional threats have outpaced conventional responses, with innovative variants of cyber threats and terrorism creating cross-border challenges.
"We need to be cognizant of the new security threats and challenges. Non-traditional threats have transcended national borders and have developed defeat systems against conventional responses," Doval said. He highlighted that innovative disruptive technologies, more camouflaged variants of terrorism, and cyber threats in a digitizing world constitute significant dangers. "Today, we will be navigating some of these non-traditional security challenges in our collective deliberations here," he added.
BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and ICT Security
Doval further noted that the NSA meeting would discuss outcomes from two BRICS joint working groups—one on counter-terrorism and another on security in the use of information and communication technologies. "We will also discuss the outcomes of the two BRICS joint working groups on counter-terrorism and on the security in the use of information and communication technologies. I look forward to your valuable interventions," he stated.
Geopolitical Uncertainties and the Role of BRICS
Earlier, Doval hailed BRICS as a "very special coalition," expressing elation over its growth and stating that member and partner economies have "got a very special role to play in this world." He emphasized that the meeting assumes importance amid ongoing "geopolitical uncertainties."
"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. Not only that the threats are compounding, but the instruments and institutional mechanisms are increasingly finding themselves to be inadequate to resolve or mitigate these conflicts. Multilateralism is on the decline," Doval said.
BRICS as a Platform for the Global South
Underscoring the evolving role of BRICS in global governance, Doval said the bloc was originally conceived to provide a platform for emerging economies to foster economic cooperation and strengthen the voice of the Global South. He noted that the bloc remains dedicated to institutional reforms and a collaborative approach to international challenges.
High-Level Participation at the NSA Meeting
The BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting began with NSA Ajit Doval welcoming Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, Iran's Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ghadir Nezamipour, Secretary-General of the UAE Supreme Council for National Security Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency of South Africa. A group photo with all heads of security of participating countries was taken.
