India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, urged the BRICS group to work together during the meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors. He called for a joint effort in listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime, stressing the need for a process devoid of politics and double standards.

China's representative at the meeting was Wang Yi, a member of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau and Director of the Office of the CPC Foreign Affairs Commission, who was also reappointed as China's Foreign Minister on the same day. It is worth noting that China has consistently hindered efforts at the United Nations Security Council to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan-based operatives as international terrorists.

Doval underscored the significance of combating terrorism for national peace and security, highlighting the continued operations of terror organizations in the Af-Pak region with impunity.

The BRICS bloc, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, gathered for the 13th BRICS NSAs meeting. Doval reiterated that terrorism remains a key threat to national peace and security, particularly with terror organizations continuing to operate unchecked in the Af-Pak region.

Addressing the current international security environment, Doval acknowledged the global security situation's uncertainty and rising tensions, along with the ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic's effects.

He also noted that the global commons, including cyber, maritime, and space, are areas of contestation. Non-traditional challenges such as food, water, and energy security are causing stress, and South Africa's inclusion of these topics in the BRICS NSA's Meeting reflects a comprehensive understanding of broader security dimensions.

Doval expressed appreciation for South Africa's cooperation during India's ongoing G20 Presidency and assured continued support for South Africa's BRICS chairmanship this year.

He advocated utilizing regional mechanisms to address emerging challenges and achieve common goals. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of equitable and fair access to global commons in line with international laws.

Water security emerged as a major global issue, and Doval emphasized the shared responsibility of prudent water usage and conservation. He raised concerns about instances of water weaponization and called for complete transparency and unhindered information sharing regarding shared cross-border water resources.

Doval also urged the need to counter the politicization of water. The BRICS NSAs meeting addressed these crucial matters in the context of enhancing cooperation and security among member nations.

Image source: PTI