BRICS security chiefs gather in New Delhi to address energy routes, geopolitical tensions and multilateral cooperation

India hosted the 16th BRICS National Security Advisors’ meeting in New Delhi, bringing together senior security officials from China, Russia, Iran, Brazil, South Africa and Ethiopia. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu and other counterparts, emphasizing the need for a stronger Global South voice and warning that “multilateralism is on the decline.”

Delegates discussed non‑traditional security challenges, the impact of disruptive technologies and the importance of cooperation on counter‑terrorism. Doval praised the recent US‑Iran memorandum of understanding that reopened the Strait of Hormuz, calling the development “a very welcome move” for global energy security and supply‑chain relief.

Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council accused the United Arab Emirates of participating in aggression against Iranian civilian infrastructure, a charge raised during the meeting’s debates on regional stability. Participants also warned that any violation of established security “red lines” would trigger firm responses.

The gathering set the stage for the upcoming BRICS leaders’ summit in September, where India will chair the bloc and seek to advance reforms of international institutions and deeper economic cooperation among its members.