The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a positive step for global energy security, and freedom of navigation will also be restored: Daulat

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a positive step for global energy security and maritime stability, as it will strengthen energy security and restore freedom of navigation for all countries.
Mr. Doval was speaking at the 16th meeting of the national security advisers of BRICS member countries being held here. He said, "The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a very welcome step as it will strengthen energy security. The freedom of navigation on this critical sea route will benefit not just the region but also countries beyond."
The BRICS meeting is taking place at a time when the global energy supply has been impacted after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which led to the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz and affected energy transportation.
Mr. Doval said the international system is facing increasing uncertainty amidst geopolitical conflicts, economic pressures, and rapidly changing technology. He said this development is putting extraordinary pressure on the existing global governance structures.
In his inaugural address, he said, "We are meeting at a very turbulent time. The world is grappling with military conflicts and complex security challenges. It is facing geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, and the challenges of revolutionary technology."
The National Security Adviser said the expanding circle of global threats and their interconnectivity is highlighting the limitations of the traditional diplomatic and institutional system. He said, "Not only are the threats increasing, but the tools and institutional systems to address or mitigate these conflicts are also proving inadequate." He expressed concern that the multilateral system is getting weakened.
The two-day meeting is being attended by national security advisers and senior officials from the expanded BRICS grouping, which now includes 11 member countries from Asia, West Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
According to officials, the agenda of the meeting also includes a review of the outcomes of the recent BRICS working groups on counter-terrorism cooperation and cybersecurity, reflecting growing concern over hybrid and technology-driven threats. The meeting is being attended by several high-level representatives, including Russia's Sergei Shoigu and China's Wang Yi.
In addition, representatives from Brazil, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are also participating in the meeting. The meeting is being held under India's 2026 BRICS presidency. India has emphasized the importance of strength, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability as core principles for the grouping's security and development agenda.
On the first day of the meeting on Monday, Mr. Doval hosted his counterparts from BRICS countries. The meeting aims to review global security and emerging non-traditional security challenges.
Mr. Doval also held bilateral meetings with several foreign delegations. On his meeting with Wang Yi, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said the two sides reviewed the recent progress in bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the process of normalization of ties.
They emphasized that stable and constructive relations between India and China promote mutual trust and better understanding.
Separately, the Iranian delegation also met with the Chinese representatives. Iran appreciated China's political support and emphasized the importance of strengthening their strategic partnership.
In response, China reiterated its support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity and encouraged continued diplomatic negotiations to promote stability in the region. According to the Iranian embassy, the two sides agreed to maintain close contact in the future.