India Hosts BRICS Security Advisers — Two-Day Talks Begin June 22

June 24, 2026 3 min read

India will welcome National Security Advisers from fellow BRICS nations to New Delhi on June 22 for a two-day meeting that underscores New Delhi's growing role in multilateral security diplomacy. The gathering brings together senior officials from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa alongside their Indian counterparts for discussions spanning regional threats, counter-terrorism cooperation, and emerging security challenges.

Meeting Venue and Official Format

The talks will take place at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, according to statements from the Ministry of External Affairs. Officials confirmed the meeting follows a formal agenda covering maritime security, cyber threats, and the evolving situation in West Asia. A joint communique is expected upon conclusion of the talks on June 23. This marks India's first major BRICS security consultation since assuming a leading role in the grouping's strategic discussions.

India's Strategic Calculations

New Delhi has intensified its engagement with BRICS partners as part of a broader foreign policy approach that prioritises diverse partnerships. The National Security Adviser leads India's internal security apparatus and serves as a key coordinator between intelligence agencies, the armed forces, and the Ministry of Defence. Hosting this meeting signals India's intent to shape the group's security priorities rather than simply reacting to them.

Balancing Multiple Partnerships

India simultaneously maintains robust security ties with Western nations, creating a delicate balancing act at the BRICS table. Russia remains a long-standing defence partner, while China's border disputes with India continue to cast a shadow over bilateral relations. South Africa and Brazil have emerged as natural allies on issues ranging from climate finance to UN Security Council reform. The National Security Adviser's office declined to specify which bilateral meetings would occur on the sidelines of the main BRICS session.

Agenda Priorities and Shared Concerns

Counter-terrorism sits at the top of the agenda. BRICS members have repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation against extremist networks, though differences persist over which organisations qualify as terrorist groups. Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific is another key focus, given that both India and China maintain significant naval presences in contested waters. The grouping is expected to discuss safe passage for commercial vessels and intelligence sharing on piracy hotspots.

Cyber security has grown increasingly important for the five-nation bloc. Recent attacks targeting critical infrastructure across member states have prompted calls for a coordinated response mechanism. India is likely to propose a BRICS cyber emergency response protocol during the talks, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the preparations.

Economic Dimensions of Security

The connection between economic resilience and national security features prominently in contemporary BRICS thinking. Discussions will include supply chain vulnerabilities, energy security, and the potential for greater use of local currencies in bilateral trade between member nations. India has pushed for reduced reliance on the US dollar in intra-BRICS transactions, though progress remains gradual.

What Happens Next

The BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting runs through June 23. A press conference is scheduled for late afternoon on the final day, where officials are expected to outline agreed security cooperation frameworks. The next full BRICS summit, hosting heads of state, is tentatively planned for later this year in Brazil. India will watch whether this week's talks produce concrete commitments that advance New Delhi's security interests within the bloc.