India’s national security advisor, Ajit Doval, has made a powerful call for change during a key BRICS meeting in Russia, arguing that global institutions dominated by Western countries are no longer fit for purpose. Speaking at the 14th Meeting of BRICS+ security officials in St. Petersburg, Doval stressed that the world’s biggest conflicts and challenges can’t be properly dealt with using the old systems of international governance. He believes it’s time for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to play a bigger role and push for reform.
Doval’s message was clear: the world is changing fast, and the current way of handling issues is outdated. According to him, BRICS countries, along with other nations from the Global South, must come together to take a new approach. This would involve tackling security threats, conflicts, and other global challenges in a way that reflects the interests of developing countries, not just the West.
One of Doval’s key points was that BRICS operates with a “spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and inclusiveness.” He highlighted that many countries from the Global South, which includes developing nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, were part of this meeting. India, Doval noted, has emerged as a leader among these nations, and it’s pushing for greater representation for developing countries in global institutions, particularly the United Nations.
India has long wanted a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and has been pushing for reforms since 1994. It’s not alone in this ambition—Brazil, Germany, and Japan also want permanent seats. However, despite years of effort, progress has been slow. Doval’s speech comes just weeks before a major international summit, where discussions on reforming the United Nations are expected to take center stage.
India has been taking major steps to amplify the voices of developing nations. In the past year, New Delhi hosted three ‘Voice of the Global South’ summits, which created a platform for these countries to discuss their priorities and challenges. These moves showcase India’s commitment to reshaping the global order, making it more inclusive for nations that have historically been underrepresented.
Ajit Doval’s trip to Russia also comes at a delicate time, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine in August. India has been walking a tightrope in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Modi stating that wars cannot be won on the battlefield and must be resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy.” This stance has put India in a unique position, as both Russia and Ukraine consider it a neutral party. Despite speculation that Modi could mediate in the conflict, Indian officials have played down the possibility, stating that Modi isn’t aiming to be a peacemaker but simply wants to help facilitate a peaceful resolution.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged the role of BRICS members—India, China, and Brazil—in trying to resolve the Ukraine crisis. He said that these nations sincerely want to find a peaceful solution. As the war in Ukraine drags on, BRICS’ influence in global affairs continues to grow, and Doval’s call for reform signals that these countries are ready to step up and challenge the West’s dominance.
This BRICS meeting highlights India’s ambition to reshape global governance and become a stronger voice for developing nations. As Doval pointed out, the world is at a crossroads, and BRICS could be the key to unlocking a more balanced, fair, and secure future for all.
