BRICS Is Not Yet a Defence Platform, Says Vikram Misri

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has clarified that BRICS is not currently a defence cooperation platform, saying the grouping has yet to develop concrete initiatives in this area despite recent discussions among member countries.

Speaking at the 22nd IISS Manama Dialogue Regional Security Summit in Bahrain, Misri said defence cooperation had featured prominently at the recent BRICS summit and influenced the declaration issued after the meeting. However, he stressed that discussions had not yet translated into practical defence initiatives.

His remarks came during the fifth plenary session, titled Maritime Security at an Inflection Point, where participants discussed regional and international security challenges.

What Did Vikram Misri Say About BRICS Defence Cooperation?

Responding to a question about the grouping’s role in defence cooperation, Misri said BRICS should not currently be viewed as a defence-focused organisation.

“BRICS is not really, at this stage, a defence cooperation construct.”

He acknowledged that the subject had received considerable attention during the recent BRICS summit and had played a significant role in shaping the final declaration.

However, Misri distinguished political discussion from practical cooperation, explaining that member countries had not yet taken concrete steps to establish defence initiatives under the grouping.

“In terms of actual initiatives with regard to this issue, we are not there yet, and defence cooperation is not yet a major subject in BRICS.”

The statement indicates that defence cooperation remains an area of discussion rather than an established pillar of BRICS activities.

Maritime Security and Existing Cooperation Mechanisms

During the discussion, Misri also referred to existing mechanisms for cooperation on maritime domain awareness. He noted that several observers had highlighted initiatives already operating in this field.

Maritime domain awareness involves sharing and analysing information about activities at sea. Such cooperation can help countries understand developments in important maritime areas and address common security concerns.

Misri’s reference to these mechanisms highlighted that cooperation on maritime security can take place through specific arrangements even when a broader defence cooperation framework has not been established within BRICS.

India Emphasises Diplomacy and Cooperation in Maritime Security

Earlier in the plenary session, Misri outlined India’s approach to maritime security, emphasising diplomacy over conflict and cooperation over confrontation.

He also highlighted the importance of protecting seafarers and commercial shipping, particularly as maritime security remains an important concern for countries connected through international trade and sea routes.

Another central point in his remarks was the need to preserve international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

UNCLOS provides the international legal framework governing the use of the world’s oceans and seas. Misri’s emphasis on the convention reflected India’s stated position that maritime security should be addressed while respecting established international legal principles.

What Is the Significance of Misri’s Remarks?

Misri’s comments clarify the distinction between BRICS discussions on defence-related issues and the creation of an operational defence cooperation framework.

Although defence cooperation featured prominently in the recent summit’s discussions and declaration, his remarks indicate that the grouping has not yet developed concrete initiatives that would make it a defence cooperation platform.

His comments also place maritime security within a broader framework of diplomacy, information-sharing, international law and protection of shipping rather than presenting it as evidence of an established BRICS defence structure.

22nd IISS Manama Dialogue Focuses on Global Security Challenges

The three-day 22nd IISS Manama Dialogue brought together ministers and senior dignitaries from different countries to discuss regional and international security issues.

The summit provided a platform for discussions on maritime security and other challenges affecting international stability. Misri’s participation allowed India to outline its priorities, including peaceful engagement, maritime cooperation and respect for international law.

His remarks on BRICS reinforced that, despite growing discussions on defence-related matters, the grouping has not yet become a formal platform for defence cooperation.