What is the common examiner trap about Intl. Relations in UPSC exams?

Examiners may swap the theme from 'non-traditional' to 'traditional' security challenges, or confuse the NSA meeting date with the BRICS Summit date (September 2026). Also, they might ask which countries are 'new' members of BRICS – the list includes Indonesia and Iran, which were added recently.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Intl. Relations for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: Meeting date June 22-23, 2026. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of External Affairs (issued the press release). 3. Target this Theme: Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today.

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Ajit Doval Chairs BRICS NSA Meeting on June 22-23; Theme: Non-Traditional Security Challenges

Q: Which ministry issued the press release announcing the BRICS NSA meeting hosted by India?

Ministry of External Affairs, The article explicitly states 'The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that India will host the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting'. MEA handles India's foreign engagements and press releases related to international meetings.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS NSA meeting: 1. The meeting is being chaired by India's NSA Ajit Doval. 2. The meeting focuses on traditional security challenges. 3. The meeting will review outcomes of Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as Ajit Doval chairs the meeting. Statement 2 is incorrect because the theme is 'Non-traditional security challenges', not traditional. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: 'review the outcomes of the recently held BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism'. Hence C is correct.

Q: How many member countries are part of the BRICS grouping as mentioned in the article?

11, The article lists 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE. The expanded BRICS now includes these countries after the 2023 and 2024 summits.

Q: What is the primary purpose of this BRICS NSA meeting as per the article?

To prepare for the BRICS Summit in September, The article states: 'The BRICS NSA meeting will set the stage for the BRICS Summit in India in September'. The meeting is a preparatory forum for the leaders' summit, aligning security and strategic priorities before the main event.

Intl. Relations Security & DefenceHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

20 Jun 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:June 22-23, 2026Theme: Non-traditional security challenges11 member countriesSeptember 2026 BRICS SummitIndia rotating presidency

Bodies:Ministry of External AffairsBRICS

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.India hosts BRICS NSA meet chaired by NSA Ajit Doval on June 22-23, 2026.

2.The theme is 'Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today'.

3.The meeting will review outcomes of joint working groups on counter-terrorism and ICT security.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India is hosting the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting on June 22-23, chaired by NSA Ajit Doval, with a focus on non-traditional security challenges. This meeting is a key precursor to the BRICS Summit in September and involves high-level participation from major members including China, Russia, and Iran.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Meeting DateJune 22-23, 2026

ChairpersonNSA Ajit Doval (India)

ThemeNon-traditional security challenges confronting the world today

Number of Member Countries11 (including China, Russia, Iran)

1-Minute Revision

›Meeting Date: June 22-23, 2026
›Chairperson: NSA Ajit Doval (India)
›Target this Data: Meeting date June 22-23, 2026.
›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of External Affairs (issued the press release).
›Target this Theme: Non-traditional security challenges confronting the world today.

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News Snapshot

📅

India Hosts BRICS NSA Meet

India chairs the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting on June 22-23, 2026, setting the stage for the September BRICS Summit.

🛡️

Focus on Non-Traditional Security

The meeting addresses evolving security challenges, including the role of new technologies and counter-terrorism efforts.

🌐

High-Level Participation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu, and Iranian Deputy Secretary Nezamipour are among the delegates attending.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

India is the current chair of BRICS (2026). The NSA meeting is a traditional precursor to the annual BRICS summit, allowing member nations to coordinate on security issues. The inclusion of new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE reflects BRICS's expansion from the original five.

Core Analysis & Implications

The theme 'Non-traditional security challenges' covers cyber threats, terrorism, and hybrid warfare, which are increasingly prioritized by member states. India's role as chair allows it to shape the agenda, especially on counter-terrorism, while the participation of all major members signals continued diplomatic engagement despite geopolitical tensions.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The outcomes of the working groups on counter-terrorism and ICT security will feed into the September BRICS Summit. A joint statement or action plan on these issues is likely, reinforcing BRICS's role as a platform for multilateral security cooperation beyond traditional geopolitical alignments.

Significance of India's Presidency

India's rotating presidency of BRICS provides an opportunity to highlight its priorities on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and reform of multilateral institutions. The NSA meeting is a critical preparatory step for the summit-level decisions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Meeting DateJune 22-23, 2026

ChairpersonNSA Ajit Doval (India)

ThemeNon-traditional security challenges confronting the world today

Number of Member Countries11 (including China, Russia, Iran)

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which ministry issued the press release announcing the BRICS NSA meeting hosted by India?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS NSA meeting:

1. The meeting is being chaired by India's NSA Ajit Doval.

2. The meeting focuses on traditional security challenges.

3. The meeting will review outcomes of Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC

How many member countries are part of the BRICS grouping as mentioned in the article?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

What is the primary purpose of this BRICS NSA meeting as per the article?

All 25 MCQs ▸

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Ajit Doval Chairs BRICS NSA Meeting on June 22-23; Theme: Non-Traditional Security Challenges

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

India Hosts BRICS NSA Meet

Focus on Non-Traditional Security

High-Level Participation

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Significance of India's Presidency

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance