NSA Ajit Doval Holds Talks with Iranian Counterpart on Middle East Security, BRICS Cooperation

National security adviser Ajit Doval on Monday held talks with Iran’s deputy secretary for defence affairs at the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ghadir Nezamipour, with discussions focusing on the evolving security situation in Middle East, Brics cooperation and India-Iran bilateral relations. The meeting took place in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 16th Brics National Security Advisers’ Meeting, which India is hosting as the current chair of the grouping. It marks the first visit to India by a senior Iranian official after Tehran reached a peace agreement with the United States. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X that both sides “reviewed the ongoing situation in West Asia” and discussed cooperation under the Brics platform as well as India-Iran ties.

Brics security meet to focus on global challenges

The two-day Brics security conclave began on Monday and will see participation from top security officials of member countries, including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu and other senior representatives. The meeting is being chaired by Doval, with discussions expected to focus on major global and regional security challenges, including developments in Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, terrorism and emerging non-traditional threats. According to the MEA, the national security advisers and heads of delegations will exchange views on the theme “Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today”. They are also expected to discuss the changing nature of security threats and the role of new technologies in creating emerging challenges. The officials will also review the outcomes of Brics joint working groups on counter-terrorism and security in the use of information and communication technologies.

India likely to raise terrorism concerns

During the deliberations, India is likely to highlight concerns related to terrorism, including cross-border terror activities targeting Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based groups, people familiar with the matter said. The security situation involving Pakistan and Afghanistan may also come up during the discussions. The meeting comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with Middle East remaining a key focus following recent developments involving Iran and the US. Brics officials are expected to deliberate on maintaining regional stability and addressing security challenges through cooperation. Brics, which initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE, while Indonesia joined the grouping in 2025. The grouping now includes 11 major emerging economies, representing nearly half of the world’s population and accounting for a significant share of global economic activity. Brics has expanded beyond economic cooperation and now works across three broad pillars — political and security cooperation, economic and financial matters, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. India is holding the Brics chairship for the fourth time in 2026, after previously leading the grouping in 2012, 2016 and 2021. Its current chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.