Doval meets South Africa's Ntshavheni at BRICS NSA meet in New Delhi
Synopsis
On the sidelines of the 16th BRICS NSAs' Meeting in New Delhi, NSA Ajit Doval held back-to-back bilaterals — with South Africa's Ntshavheni on developmental cooperation and with China's Wang Yi on gradual normalisation. With India in the chair, New Delhi is using the two-day forum to shape the BRICS security agenda on counter-terrorism and ICT governance.
Key Takeaways
NSA Ajit Doval met Khumbudzo Ntshavheni of South Africa on 22 June 2026 at the 16th BRICS NSAs' Meeting in New Delhi.
Both sides discussed India-South Africa bilateral ties and specific areas of developmental cooperation .
Doval also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi , with the MEA noting progress towards gradual India-China normalisation .
The two-day BRICS NSA meeting is held under India's chairship , themed around 'Non-traditional security challenges' .
Officials are reviewing outcomes of BRICS working groups on Counter-Terrorism and ICT Security .
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on 22 June 2026 held bilateral talks with Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisors' Meeting in New Delhi. The two officials discussed the full spectrum of India-South Africa bilateral ties, with a focus on identifying concrete areas for developmental cooperation.
Key Developments from the Bilateral
Both sides exchanged views on ongoing regional and global developments, signalling alignment on strategic priorities beyond the bilateral frame. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the meeting, noting that the two NSAs reviewed areas of developmental cooperation and broader geopolitical issues of mutual concern.
Doval-Wang Yi Meeting on India-China Normalisation
Earlier on the same day, NSA Doval also met 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. Doval underlined that 'stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building trust and better understanding between the two sides,' the MEA stated.
About the BRICS NSAs' Meeting
The two-day meeting is being held in New Delhi under India's chairship of BRICS, bringing together top security officials from member countries. The overarching theme is 'Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today', as outlined by the MEA. Delegates are deliberating on the rapidly evolving nature of national security threats, including the role of new technologies in emerging security risks.
Counter-Terrorism and ICT Security on the Agenda
Officials are also reviewing outcomes of the recently held BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism and on Security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This signals a clear pivot within BRICS toward non-military, technology-driven security cooperation — an area where India has been pushing for greater multilateral consensus. Notably, the New Delhi meeting marks India's continued effort to shape the BRICS security agenda during its chairship year.
What Comes Next
The outcomes of the NSAs' meeting are expected to feed into broader BRICS summitry later in the year. With India holding the chair, New Delhi is positioned to drive the agenda on counter-terrorism frameworks and ICT governance — two domains where it has sought stronger multilateral commitments from fellow BRICS members.
Point of View
China on normalisation — reveal how India is using its BRICS chairship as a diplomatic multiplier. The Doval-Wang Yi exchange is the more consequential signal: 'gradual normalisation' is careful language, and its repetition by the MEA suggests both sides are managing expectations as much as progress. Meanwhile, the BRICS NSA forum's pivot to non-traditional threats and ICT security reflects a broader shift in how emerging-economy blocs are reframing security cooperation — away from hard power and toward technology governance, where India has real leverage to lead.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discussed at the Doval-Ntshavheni meeting at the BRICS NSA summit?
NSA Ajit Doval and South Africa's Khumbudzo Ntshavheni discussed India-South Africa bilateral ties and explored specific areas of developmental cooperation on 22 June 2026. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
What is the 16th BRICS NSAs' Meeting about?
The 16th BRICS National Security Advisors' Meeting, hosted in New Delhi under India's chairship, focuses on 'Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today.' Delegates are deliberating on new technology-driven security threats and reviewing BRICS working group outcomes on counter-terrorism and ICT security.
What did NSA Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi discuss?
According to the MEA, Doval and Wang Yi reviewed recent developments in India-China bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation. Doval stressed that stable and constructive ties build trust between the two countries.
Why is India hosting the BRICS NSAs' Meeting in 2026?
India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026 and is using that role to convene the two-day NSA-level forum in New Delhi. As chair, India is shaping the agenda, with a focus on non-traditional security threats and multilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism and ICT governance.
Who is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni?
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni is the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, serving as that country's representative at the 16th BRICS National Security Advisors' Meeting in New Delhi.
