India Hosts BRICS Security Dialogue in New Delhi
India is hosting the BRICS National Security Advisers Meeting in New Delhi on June 22-23, 2026, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval chairing the two-day conclave. The meeting brings together top security officials from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with representatives from the newly expanded BRICS member nations, to deliberate on a wide range of security challenges facing the bloc.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the gathering focuses on non-traditional threats including terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, and the security implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. The conclave represents one of the highest-level security dialogues hosted by India this year.
Key Agenda Items and Discussions
The meeting agenda covers several critical areas of mutual concern. Counter-terrorism cooperation remains a top priority, with discussions on intelligence sharing mechanisms, joint counter-terrorism exercises, and strengthening the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted at the 2025 summit. Cyber security cooperation is another major focus, with NSAs discussing measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks and to combat the use of the internet for terrorist purposes.
Maritime security discussions are expected to address the evolving situation in the Indian Ocean Region, including freedom of navigation, piracy, and the security of sea lanes of communication. The implications of the recent US-Iran peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are also likely to feature in discussions given their significance for global energy security.
India's Role as BRICS Chair for Security Dialogue
India's chairmanship of the BRICS NSA meeting underscores its growing role in shaping the security discourse within the multilateral platform. NSA Ajit Doval, one of India's most experienced security officials, brings decades of expertise in counter-insurgency, strategic affairs, and diplomatic negotiations to the role.
India has positioned itself as a bridge between the traditional BRICS members and the newly expanded group, advocating for a consensus-based approach to security challenges that respects national sovereignty while enabling practical cooperation. The meeting also provides an opportunity for bilateral discussions on the margins, with several NSAs expected to hold one-on-one meetings.
Expanded BRICS: New Members Join the Security Dialogue
The 2026 NSA meeting is the first to include the newly expanded BRICS members following the group's enlargement at the 2025 summit. The expanded bloc now represents a significantly larger share of the global population and economic output, bringing diverse security perspectives from multiple continents.
The inclusion of new members has broadened the security agenda, with issues such as food security, health security, and climate-related security risks receiving greater attention alongside traditional security concerns. The meeting is expected to produce a joint statement outlining common positions on key security challenges.
India Impact: Strengthening Global Security Partnerships
For India, hosting the BRICS NSA meeting reinforces its position as a key player in global security architecture. The meeting demonstrates India's ability to convene and lead discussions among major powers on critical security issues. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to influence India's security cooperation with BRICS nations across multiple domains.
Indian security agencies stand to benefit from enhanced intelligence sharing and best-practice exchanges with BRICS partners, particularly in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, and maritime domain awareness. The meeting also showcases India's growing diplomatic capabilities on the world stage.
Sources
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs Press Release, The Hindu, Ananta IAS, Times of India, ANI, PTI
