Developments in West Asia formed the dominant backdrop as National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval hosted his counterparts from BRICS grouping in New Delhi for the BRICS NSAs meeting. Mr. Doval met Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Secretary of Multilateral and Political Affairs of Brazil Carlos Cozendey among others who are in New Delhi to attend the two-day event that will survey the security architecture of the world.

“Both sides reviewed the ongoing situation in West Asia. They also discussed cooperation under the BRICS platform and India-Iran bilateral ties,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal after Mr. Doval met Mr. Nezamipour. The MEA said the meeting between Mr. Doval and Mr. Wang was “forward looking” and added, “The two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted progress towards gradual normalisation. NSA underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building of trust and better understanding between the two sides.”

The Iranian delegation held a detailed meeting with the Chinese side on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting here, informed the Embassy of Iran. Mr. Nezami “expressed appreciation” for “China’s political support and emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between Tehran and Beijing, as well as Iran’s readiness to respond to any potential threats.”

“China’s Foreign Minister reaffirmed support for Iran’s security and territorial integrity, welcomed the improvement of Iran’s relations with regional countries and expressed Beijing’s willingness to contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional stability,” said the Iranian Embassy here in a statement, informing that the two sides will continue to “maintain close consultations”.

The June 22-23 meeting of the NSAs of the BRICS countries will focus on ‘non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today’, said the MEA in an announcement. The meeting will include a review of the outcomes of BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism.