International Relations
BRICS National Security Advisers Meet
- 18 Sep 2020
- 4 min read
Why in News
Recently, Russia hosted virtual National Security Advisers (NSAs) meet of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping.
Key Points
- Draft Anti-terrorism Plan:
- The group discussed a draft anti-terrorism strategy that is expected to be approved at an upcoming summit.
- The anti-terrorism plan reflects fundamental aspects of the BRICS states, such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, adherence to international law and recognition of the United Nation (UN)’s central role in security matters.
- Other Discussed Issues:
- Challenges and threats to global, regional and national security.
- Called for biological security cooperation and information and communications technology security.
- There was also a proposal to continue work on a system for countering security threats in the sphere of information.
- The Russian side criticised the deployment of weapons in space by the USA and the use of outer space for military operations.
- It also expressed concern over the escalation of tensions with the USA in Iran, Venezuela and Syria.
- It also proposed the creation of new mechanisms in the field of countering epidemiological threats and to conduct expert consultations on biosafety in the BRICS format.
- The five countries are cooperating within the framework of building a multi-polar system based on justice and equality.
- They have also agreed to work on deepening coordination at key international organisations and forums, especially the United Nations (UN).
BRICS
- BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined the term BRIC to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
- The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers’ in 2006.
- South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2010, after which the group adopted the acronym BRICS.
- The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
- During the Sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza (Brazil) in 2014, the leaders signed the Agreement establishing the New Development Bank (NDB - Shanghai, China). They also signed the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement to provide short-term liquidity support to the members.
Way Forward
- Terrorism is a big threat to India. If the draft anti-terrorism strategy is adopted by the BRICS members, it will help India to counter the terrorism. It will also expose the terror sponsored countries.
- Although the India-China standoff at Ladakh was not discussed at the NSAs meet, BRICS is an important platform where India can engage with China diplomatically.
