“Terrorism remains one of the key threats to the national peace and security. Terror organizations in the Af-Pak region continue to operate with impunity. He mentioned that listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter terrorism sanctions regime is an area on which BRICS can work together. It is important that the decision making of the UNSC sanctions committee is free from politicization and double standards,” Doval said.
It may be recalled that China has often blocked the efforts to list Pak-based terrorists by UNSC.
Doval mentioned that the meeting is being held at the time of great churn in international security environment. The global security situation is marked by uncertainty and rising tensions. The global economy is still covering from the after effects of the pandemic.
The global commons of cyber, maritime and space are contested. Non-traditional challenges of food, water, and energy security are witnessing stress. Inclusion of these topics by South Africa in the BRICS NSA’s Meeting reflects a clear understanding of the broader dimensions of security.
Regional mechanisms should be utilised to advance common goals and address emerging challenges. All efforts need to be made to ensure equitable and fair access to global commons in line with international laws, the NSA mentioned.Water security is a major global issue and its prudent usage and conservation is a shared responsibility. Doval mentioned instances of weaponisation of water and mentioned the need for complete transparency and unhindered information sharing with respect to shared cross border water resources. The politicization of water needs to be countered.The United Nations has declared 2023 as International Year of Millets. India has been at the forefront of supporting educational and behavioral approaches through initiatives like Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). BRICS countries should set an example for the world by focusing on individual behaviour and make a shift to Lifestyle for Environment, the NSA said.
India is a major actor in the global food supply system and has assisted many countries during the pandemic. Along with supply of food there is a need to ensure unhindered availability of fertilisers. Today’s fertiliser shortage could be tomorrow’s food crisis.
Supply chain disruptions have had a dispropotional effect on the food security of vulnerable populations. This needs to be urgently addressed which is a shared commitment and common responsibility, the NSA noted.
The Importance of research and development occupies primacy in the cyber domain to confront common threats and risks due to emerging technologies. Doval expressed satisfaction that the BRICS working group on ICTs has identified some cutting edge areas like AI, quantum computing, cloud security, Blockchain and Internet of Things as possible Research topics.
He mentioned that the opportunities presented by the digital age will also throw up challenges and the need to be united to fortify cyber defenses, foster international corporation and build a resilient national cyber infrastructure. Cyber attacks knows no borders. The linkage between cyber criminals and terrorists is an emerging concern.
Access to secure and affordable supply of critical materials for development of clean energy technologies is crucial.
During India’s G20 Presidency, one of the priorities is to voice the concerns of developing countries. India is proposing to create a global biofuel alliance under G 20, the NSA said.
Doval recalled the Voice of the Global South summit hosted by India in which 125 countries participated and that this year the G20 agenda under India’s Presidency will truly encompass the needs of the world, specially the Global South.
