Diplomacy

According to Agrawal, trade among BRICS countries has witnessed remarkable expansion over the last two decades. Intra-BRICS merchandise trade has surged from approximately US$84 billion in 2003 to more than US$1.17 trillion in 2024, demonstrating the increasing economic influence of the grouping. However, despite this growth, trade within BRICS still represents a relatively small share of overall global commerce, leaving considerable scope for further expansion.

The gathering comes under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 and forms an important part of the diplomatic and security calendar ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit expected later this year. The NSA-level meeting will bring together National Security Advisers and Heads of Delegation from BRICS member countries to discuss evolving threats that go beyond conventional military conflict.

The meeting will be chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and is likely to focus on emerging geopolitical developments, terrorism, regional instability, and the growing impact of new technologies on global security. Senior representatives from several BRICS countries are expected to participate, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Officials from newer BRICS members are also anticipated to attend the discussions.

A major focus of the dialogue was defence cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing industrial collaboration, promoting co-development and co-production initiatives, and expanding opportunities for defence technology partnerships. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening security cooperation and building resilient defence supply chains.

The name TRISHNA is also meaningful. In Sanskrit and many Indian languages, Trishna means thirst. This gives the mission a poetic connection with its purpose. A satellite named after thirst will help the world understand water stress, crop thirst, land heat and climate pressure. It is a powerful example of how scientific missions can carry civilisational symbolism.