National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday described BRICS as a “very special coalition” and said the grouping has a significant role to play in an increasingly turbulent world marked by military conflicts, economic strains and geopolitical uncertainty.

Speaking at the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi, Doval said the gathering assumed added significance at a time when existing mechanisms for conflict resolution were proving inadequate and multilateralism was witnessing a decline.

Doval Highlights Global Challenges

Addressing representatives from member countries, Doval said the world was passing through a difficult phase characterised by wars, complex security challenges and disruptive technologies.

“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,” he said.

He noted that BRICS had acquired greater importance against this backdrop and said the grouping brought together countries with diverse experiences and perspectives.

BRICS Intended to Strengthen Global South

Doval said BRICS had originally been conceived as a platform for emerging economies to promote economic cooperation and strengthen the voice of the Global South.

He added that the grouping also sought reforms in global governance and improvements in international institutions.

“BRICS was conceived as an informal grouping of emerging economies to a more multipolar world order. It was to advance economic cooperation and strengthen the voice of the Global South. It also envisioned reforms in global governance and institutional improvements. BRICS is a very special coalition of countries that believe in peace, progress, development, and cooperation. I’m happy to see that it is gaining strength day by day,” he said.

‘Special Role to Play’ in a Changing World

Stressing the responsibilities of the grouping, Doval said BRICS countries had an important role in addressing global instability.

“We are here from different continents, from different areas, and it’s a grouping where we bring with us very diverse experiences. We have got a very special role to play in this world, which appears to be in turmoil, a world which appears to be changing, a world in which the instruments of conflict resolution are probably getting blunted. What role we as a grouping can play is a matter that is important for us to ponder,” he said.

The meeting began with 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, UAE Supreme Council for National Security Secretary-General Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi and South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

A group photograph with the heads of security delegations from participating countries was also taken.

India to Assume BRICS Chairship in 2026

India will assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026 for the fourth time, having previously held the position in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

The chairship will be guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting the people-centric and humanity-first approach outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.

BRICS currently comprises 11 emerging economies: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

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