India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that multilateralism is on the decline during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers meeting [1].
The warning highlights growing concerns that traditional international institutions are failing to manage global crises, potentially leaving the world more vulnerable to unchecked geopolitical volatility.
Doval said that stronger international cooperation and inclusive dialogue are needed to address the current global landscape [1]. He said that respect for sovereignty and collaborative security approaches are essential for maintaining stability amid rising tensions [2].
According to Doval, the intersection of various global pressures is creating a precarious environment [2]. "Geopolitical conflicts, economic uncertainties and rapid technological changes are creating new vulnerabilities across the globe," Doval said [2].
The NSA said that the decline of multilateralism limits the ability of nations to resolve disputes through diplomacy. He said that a shift toward more inclusive frameworks is needed to accommodate the needs of a diversifying global power structure [1].
By addressing the BRICS members, Doval positioned the bloc as a potential vehicle for reviving cooperative security measures. He said that the current era of instability requires a renewed commitment to collective action rather than unilateral pursuit of interests [2].
“"Multilateralism is on the decline."”
Doval's remarks signal India's strategic attempt to balance its role within the BRICS bloc while advocating for a rules-based international order. By highlighting the fragility of multilateralism, India is positioning itself as a bridge between the Global South and established Western-led institutions, arguing that global security cannot be maintained if the mechanisms for international cooperation continue to erode.
