National security advisers from the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (Brics) group discussed a draft counter-terrorism strategy on Thursday that is expected to be approved at an upcoming summit.
The five NSAs, who joined a virtual meeting hosted by Russia, also discussed challenges and threats to global, regional and national security. Contrary to speculation, there were no bilateral discussions by the Indian and Chinese NSA on the sidelines of the meeting in the context of the border standoff.
“This was a virtual meeting and bilateral talks are not possible in this format,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava told a weekly press conference.
A statement issued by the Russian side after the meeting said that the five countries had prepared a draft counterterrorism strategy that will be presented for approval during the next Brics summit.
The draft strategy reflects fundamental aspects of the BRIC states, such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, adherence to international law and recognition of the central role of the UN in security matters, according to the statement. .
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The NSAs also discussed cooperation in biosafety and information and communication technology security, and it was proposed to continue working on a system to counter security threats in the information sphere.
Participants expressed concern about escalating tensions in Iran, Venezuela and Syria, according to the Russian statement. She added that the BRIC states are cooperating in the framework of building a multipolar system based on justice and equality.
There was no official news from the Indian side on the outcome of the meeting, which was chaired by Nikolai Patrushev, Russia’s security council secretary, and joined by the Indian NSA Ajit Doval, the Chinese NSA Yang Jiechi, M Innosencio from Brazil and the South African minister. Ayanda Dlodlo state security.
The Russian side also criticized the deployment of weapons in space by the United States and the use of outer space for military operations. He also proposed the creation of new mechanisms in the field of combating epidemiological threats and the holding of expert consultations on biosafety in the Brics format. The five countries agreed to work to deepen coordination in key international organizations and forums, especially the UN.
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