**New Delhi Hosts BRICS Security Officials Amid Calls for Stronger Global South Representation**
New Delhi, India – A two-day meeting of security officials from BRICS nations commenced in New Delhi, where Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval emphasized the necessity for a robust voice for the Global South in light of declining multilateralism. The meeting brought together high-ranking security officials from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, including Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
During the opening remarks, Doval expressed concerns over the increasing security challenges facing the international community, stating, “Tumultuous times, marked by military conflicts and growing security challenges, need a stronger voice of the Global South.” He underscored that BRICS was established to foster a multipolar world order, enhance the influence of developing nations, and promote peace, development, and cooperation among its members.
The discussions also highlighted the bloc's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. According to a statement from India’s Foreign Ministry, the officials reaffirmed their resolve to address the evolving threats posed by terrorism, particularly through the counteraction of new technologies employed by terrorist groups.
Echoing Doval's sentiments, Shoigu pointed to the urgent need for BRICS to take a leading role in reforming international organizations that are perceived to be failing, such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). This call for reform aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin's previous assertions regarding the necessity to modernize major global institutions, including the UN and the International Monetary Fund. Putin has argued that the influence of developing nations in the global economy has significantly increased over recent decades, necessitating a reevaluation of existing structures.
In a significant proposal, Shoigu advocated for the establishment of a ‘BRICS Emergency Reserve’ aimed at creating a stockpile of essential goods, including medicines, food, energy, fertilizers, and rare earth metals. This reserve would be designed to provide support during crisis situations, enhancing the resilience of BRICS nations in the face of global challenges.
The meeting serves as a preparatory initiative for the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September 12-13 in India, where Putin is expected to participate. The summit aims to further solidify the bloc's objectives and strategies in addressing pressing global issues.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Doval engaged in discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which were characterized as “constructive and forward-looking.” The Indian Foreign Ministry noted progress towards the gradual normalization of bilateral relations between India and China. Wang emphasized the importance of respecting each other’s core interests and urged the resumption of dialogue mechanisms to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, finance, law enforcement, and media.
As the BRICS nations continue to navigate complex global dynamics, the outcomes of this meeting may play a crucial role in shaping the bloc's collective response to emerging security challenges and its stance on multilateralism in the years to come.