Johannesburg, July 26: During the 13th BRICS National Security Advisor’s (NSA) meeting in Johannesburg, NSA Ajit Doval delivered a stern message to China, expressing his concerns about the deteriorating situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two nations. In a meeting with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, Doval emphasized the urgent need to address the issue and restore peace in the border regions.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued an official release stating, “NSA conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship.” Both sides agreed on the significance of resolving the situation and reinstating tranquility in the border areas to pave the way for normalcy in bilateral relations.
Border disputes between India and China have been a recurring issue dating back to 1962, with the most recent clash occurring in June 2020 in the Galwan valley. During the BRICS meeting, Doval also discussed cyber risks associated with emerging disruptive technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Internet of Things.
Apart from the China-related discussions, Doval also held a working meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, to discuss security and economic cooperation between India and Russia. He addressed the ongoing threat of terrorism, particularly in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, and highlighted the need for collaboration among BRICS countries in countering terrorism by listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime.
In light of the current global security uncertainties and economic challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Doval appreciated South Africa’s cooperation during India’s G20 Presidency and assured continued support for South Africa’s BRICS chairmanship this year. The meeting concluded with a focus on enhancing international security cooperation amid the evolving security environment.
