Meeting of Brics NSAS reviews Afghan tension

NEW DELHI: The national security advisers of the Brazil-russiaindia-china-south Africa (Brics) grouping on Tuesday reviewed the regional and global political and security scenario, especially developments in Afghanistan, Iran and West Asia.

A virtual meeting of the NSAS, which was chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, also adopted an action plan for combating terrorism and its financing for consideration by the leaders’ summit of the grouping to be held later this year.

Meetings of the Brics’ high representatives responsible for national security have become an important platform for exchanging views on political and security issues among member states. “Today’s meeting reviewed the regional and global political and security scenario with particular reference to current developments in Afghanistan, Iran, West Asia and the Gulf and emerging threats to national security, such as cyber security,” the external affairs ministry said.

“India raised the issue of cross-border terrorism and activities of groups such as the Lashkar-e-toiba and Jaish-emohammed, which enjoy state support and threaten peace and security,” the ministry said. The NSAS also discussed cooperation among law enforcement agencies, health safety and healthcare, and counter-terrorism.

As a follow up to the adoption of the Brics counter-terrorism strategy at the leaders’ summit in 2020, the NSAS adopted the Brics anti-terrorism action plan to be considered at the next summit to be hosted by India, which heads the group.