Ajit Doval warns of evolving cyber and terror threats, calls for stronger BRICS cooperation

New Delhi: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday used the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting to highlight a growing concern confronting governments worldwide, traditional security systems are increasingly struggling to cope with new-age threats emerging from an interconnected digital world. Addressing security chiefs from BRICS member and partner countries in New Delhi, Doval said cyber attacks, evolving forms of terrorism and disruptive technologies have created challenges that no longer remain confined within national borders. His remarks reflected a broader shift in global security thinking, where conventional military and law-enforcement responses are being tested by threats that are decentralised, technology-driven and often difficult to detect. Why Doval's warning matters For decades, national security discussions were largely centred on military conflicts, border disputes and conventional terrorism. Doval suggested that the threat landscape has changed significantly. According to him, "non-traditional threats" have advanced beyond national boundaries and developed mechanisms that can bypass conventional security responses. These include cyber intrusions, misuse of information technologies, digital espionage and increasingly sophisticated forms of terrorism. The concern comes at a time when governments, businesses and critical infrastructure are becoming heavily dependent on digital networks, making them more vulnerable to cyber attacks and technological disruptions. A world facing multiple crises Doval's remarks also reflected wider geopolitical anxieties. He described the current global situation as "tumultuous", pointing to ongoing military conflicts, geopolitical uncertainties, economic pressures and rapid technological disruptions. The NSA argued that while threats are becoming more complex, existing international institutions and conflict-resolution mechanisms are finding it increasingly difficult to address them effectively. His observation echoes a growing debate among major powers that global governance structures created after World War II are struggling to respond to 21st-century challenges ranging from cyber warfare to artificial intelligence and transnational terrorism. Counter-terrorism and cyber security on BRICS agenda The meeting is expected to focus heavily on two areas where BRICS countries see growing common interests: counter-terrorism cooperation and security in information and communication technologies. Doval said delegates would review the work of two BRICS joint working groups dealing with these issues. The discussions come amid rising concerns over the use of encrypted digital platforms by extremist groups, cross-border cyber attacks, data security and the weaponisation of emerging technologies. BRICS' expanding role Doval also underlined the growing importance of BRICS, which has expanded beyond its original membership and now represents a larger share of the world's population, economy and geopolitical influence. Originally created as a platform for emerging economies to coordinate on economic issues, BRICS is increasingly positioning itself as a forum for addressing broader global challenges, particularly from the perspective of the Global South. As traditional multilateral institutions face questions over effectiveness and representation, Doval suggested BRICS could play a larger role in pushing institutional reforms and promoting cooperative solutions to global security problems. The meeting was attended by senior security officials from China, Russia, Iran, South Africa, the UAE and other participating countries, highlighting the bloc's growing focus on strategic and security cooperation alongside economic collaboration.