NSA Doval discusses West Asia situation during meeting with Iranian Dy Secy Defence Ghadir Nezamipour
New Delhi, June 22
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday met Iran's Deputy Secretary for Defense Affairs of the SNSC, Ghadir Nezamipour and held discussions on the bilateral ties along with the ongoing situation in West Asia on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS NSA Meeting.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "NSA Ajit Doval, KC met Deputy Secretary for Defense Affairs of the SNSC of Iran, Ghadir Nezamipour on 22 June 2026 on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS NSAs Meeting. Both sides reviewed the ongoing situation in West Asia. They also discussed cooperation under the BRICS platform and India-Iran bilateral ties."
He also met the Executive Director of Analysis at the National Intelligence and Security Service of Ethiopia, Million Lema Tadesse, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS NSAs Meeting.
Jaiswal said in a post on X that both sides explored areas of cooperation to enhance and deepen the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership.
The meetings come as India is hosting the BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting on 22-23 June 2026.
As per the MEA, during the meeting, the National Security Advisers/Heads of Delegation of BRICS Member Countries will exchange views on the theme 'Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today'.
They will discuss the rapidly evolving nature of national security challenges, as well as the role of new technologies in emerging security threats.
According to the statement, the National Security Advisers/Heads of Delegation 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.
The meeting comes as India holds the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time in 2026, having previously held it in 2012, 2016, and 2021. India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", reflecting a people-centric and humanity-first approach articulated by Prime Minister Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.
BRICS brings together eleven major emerging markets and developing countries of the world: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates. It serves as a useful platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance.
The official website for BRICS 2026 highlights how the BRICS agenda has expanded considerably from its initial focus on economic issues of mutual concern and is structured around three core pillars-- political and security, economy and finance and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
"BRICS cooperation continues to broaden its scope across a wide range of global issues, including the fight against terrorism, climate change, food and energy security, the international economic and financial situation, telecommunications, agriculture, labour and employment, international financial architecture, trade, and the WTO," the official website highlighted.
— ANI
Reader Comments
BRICS is becoming more relevant by the day. With Iran, Ethiopia, UAE and others joining, it's no longer just about economics but also security cooperation. The Chabahar port project with Iran is crucial for India's access to Central Asia - hope talks on that came up too.
Interesting that India is hosting this now. BRICS has really evolved - from a financial grouping to a security platform. The focus on non-traditional security challenges like cyber threats and counter-terrorism is smart. India's leadership in this space is growing.
NSA Doval meeting Iranian deputy defence secretary - clearly West Asia tensions are high on agenda. India has much at stake with 8 million Indians living in Gulf region. We need stability there for energy security and trade. Hope India can play a mediating role.
The theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" is spot on. But let's be honest - BRICS needs to deliver concrete outcomes, not just talk. India's chairship should push for actionable cooperation on terrorism financing and tech security. Let's see what comes out of these meetings.
First the BRICS summit in Rio last year, now NSA meeting in India - our diplomacy is on the right track. Meeting with Ethiopian official too shows India's outreach to Africa. We need such partnerships beyond just the traditional Western alliances. Smart move. 👏
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