National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval held a series of bilateral meetings with senior security and intelligence officials from Brazil, Ethiopia and South Africa on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers (NSAs) Meeting, which began in New Delhi on June 22, 2026. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, exploring developmental cooperation, and exchanging views on regional and global developments.
Meeting with Brazil's Secretary of Multilateral and Political Affairs
On June 22, Doval met Carlos Cozendey, Secretary of Multilateral and Political Affairs of Brazil. According to a post by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X, both sides welcomed cooperation between India and Brazil under the BRICS framework and reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations. The meeting underscored the importance of the BRICS platform in fostering collaboration between the two nations.
Discussions with Ethiopian Intelligence Official
Doval also held talks with Million Lema Tadesse, Executive Director of Analysis at the National Intelligence and Security Service of Ethiopia. The MEA stated that both sides explored areas of cooperation to enhance and deepen the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership. This dialogue is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Ethiopia, a key partner in Africa.
Meeting with South Africa's Minister in the Presidency
In a separate meeting, Doval met Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency of South Africa. The two sides discussed India-South Africa bilateral ties, including specific areas of developmental cooperation. They also exchanged views on ongoing regional and global developments, as per the MEA. The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to addressing common challenges.
India Hosts BRICS NSAs Meeting on Non-Traditional Security Threats
India is hosting the 16th BRICS NSAs Meeting from June 22 to June 23. The theme of the meeting is 'Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today'. According to the MEA, the NSAs and heads of delegation exchanged views on the rapidly evolving nature of national security challenges and the role of new technologies in emerging security threats. They also reviewed the outcomes of the recently held BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and on Security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies.
India's BRICS Chairship and Key Themes
India holds the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time in 2026, having previously chaired the group in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The chairship is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflecting a people-centric and humanity-first approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.
Constructive Talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
On the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting, Doval also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The MEA described the talks as 'constructive and forward-looking'. The two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation. Doval underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building trust and better understanding between the two sides.
The series of bilateral engagements underscores India's proactive diplomatic efforts during its BRICS chairship, focusing on addressing non-traditional security challenges and strengthening partnerships with member and partner nations.
