India, South Africa discuss bilateral cooperation at BRICS meet
New Delhi, June 22
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting with his counterpart Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Monday on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs' Meeting in New Delhi.
Both sides discussed India-South Africa bilateral ties, including exploring specific areas of developmental cooperation between the two countries.
The two NSAs also exchanged views on ongoing regional and global developments.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote on X that NSA Ajit Doval met Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, on June 22, 2026, during the 16th BRICS NSAs' Meeting. It added that both sides discussed bilateral ties and developmental cooperation, while also exchanging views on regional and global issues.
Earlier in the day, NSA Doval held a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
According to the MEA, the two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation. It said NSA Doval underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building trust and better understanding between the two sides.
The two‑day BRICS National Security Advisors' Meeting is being held in New Delhi under India's chairship, bringing together top security officials from member countries to deliberate on evolving global security challenges and strengthen cooperation on key strategic issues.
During the meeting, the National Security Advisors and heads of delegation of BRICS member countries will exchange views on the theme "Non‑traditional security challenges confronting the world today," according to a statement released by the MEA.
The officials will discuss the rapidly evolving nature of national security challenges and the role of new technologies in emerging security threats. They will also review the outcomes of the recently held BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter‑Terrorism and on Security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive diplomatic outreach. But I wonder how much of this cooperation actually translates into ground-level benefits for ordinary Indians and South Africans. The focus on "non-traditional security challenges" sounds like a lot of buzzwords. Let's see real outcomes.
The parallel meeting with China's Wang Yi is the real story here. NSA Doval underlined "stable, predictable" ties—that's code for telling China to stop border provocations. This BRICS platform allows India to engage with China while also balancing with other partners. Smart diplomacy!
Excellent initiative! South Africa has a strong Indian diaspora too. Need to leverage our historical ties from the Gandhi-Mandela era. Focus on counter-terrorism and ICT security is spot on—these are the threats of the 21st century. Hope the JWGs produce actionable results. 🙏
While BRICS is useful, I'm cautious about too much focus on security at the expense of economic cooperation. India needs more trade deals with South Africa, not just NSA-level chats. The BRICS New Development Bank should be doing more for infrastructure loans, honestly.
Another BRICS meeting, another round of photo ops. 😒 The real test will be how India handles the China border issue within this forum. South Africa is a friend, but Beijing calls the shots in BRICS. Hope Doval's meeting with Wang Yi yielded more than just pleasantries.
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