At BRICS summit, Ajit Doval warns allies of growing 'non-traditional' threats

Speaking before security chiefs from BRICS nations and partner countries, including Russia, China, Iran, Brazil and South Africa, Doval said the grouping has a very special role to play in a world increasingly defined by instability and complex geopolitical challenges.

In Short

• Ajit Doval warns traditional conflict resolution is weakening amid rising global threats
• He said digitalisation increases vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and communication systems
• BRICS nations were urged to unite against growing non-traditional security risks like cyberattacks

At the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval delivered a sharp assessment of the global security environment, warning that traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution are weakening at a time of rising transnational threats.

Speaking before security chiefs from BRICS nations and partner countries, including Russia, China, Iran, Brazil and South Africa, Doval said the grouping has a very special role to play in a world increasingly defined by instability and complex geopolitical challenges.

“We are here from different continents, from different areas, and it's a grouping where we bring with us very diverse experiences,” Doval said. He noted that global systems designed to manage conflict were “probably getting blunted,” urging BRICS members to consider how they can collectively respond to emerging challenges.

NON-TRADITIONAL THREATS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The NSA stressed that modern security threats are no longer confined within borders and increasingly bypass conventional defence and diplomatic frameworks.

He highlighted the growing scale of non-traditional risks, including cyberattacks, terrorism in evolving forms, and technology-driven security vulnerabilities.

“We need to be cognisant of the new security threats and challenges. Non-traditional threats have transcended national borders and have developed defeat systems against conventional responses,” he said.

Doval added that rapid digitalisation has expanded the attack surface for hostile actors, making critical infrastructure, communication systems and financial networks more vulnerable than ever before.

TECHNOLOGY AND HYBRID WARFARE RISKS

Warning against emerging hybrid threats, Doval pointed to “innovative disruptive technologies” and increasingly sophisticated cyber operations as key concerns for national security establishments worldwide.

He said modern terrorism is becoming more camouflaged and adaptive, requiring coordinated international responses rather than fragmented national efforts.

“These threats are evolving in ways that challenge traditional responses. Today’s security environment demands collective deliberation and shared strategies,” he noted.

BRICS PUSH FOR COORDINATED RESPONSE

The BRICS NSA meeting is focused on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, and combating transnational crime ahead of the upcoming BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

Officials said India is pushing for deeper intelligence sharing and enhanced coordination among member countries to tackle radicalisation, cyber threats, and risks to critical infrastructure.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Doval also held bilateral discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as part of broader diplomatic engagement among participating nations.

The New Delhi meeting comes at a time when global security frameworks are under strain, with India positioning BRICS as a platform for more pragmatic and multipolar security cooperation.

- Ends