In a week marked by significant diplomatic engagement, India has emerged at the center of two major international developments: a renewed commitment to fight terrorism and cyber threats with Paraguay, and enthusiastic anticipation for India’s upcoming chairmanship of the BRICS group, set to begin in January 2026. Both events, occurring on November 15, 2025, reflect India’s growing stature on the world stage and its evolving role in global security and economic cooperation.
In Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, senior officials from India and Paraguay convened for the inaugural session of the India-Paraguay Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM). The meeting, chaired by Paraguay’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Victor Verdun, and India’s Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Periasamy Kumaran, focused squarely on the challenges of terrorism and cybersecurity. According to the joint statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and reported by ANI, both countries agreed that “terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.”
The two nations pledged to intensify their cooperation against terrorism and cyber threats, recognizing these issues as major dangers to global peace. The commitment, as outlined in the official statement, extends beyond bilateral action. “They reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism through coordinated efforts… and expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation and bilateral coordination mechanisms in the areas of security and cybersecurity,” the Ministry noted. The pledge includes joint action at bilateral, regional, multilateral, and global levels, underscoring the seriousness with which both countries view these threats.
The meeting was not limited to security topics. Delegates from both sides reviewed a broad spectrum of issues, including political ties, trade, education, health, information and communication technology (ICT), and sustainable development. The participants also discussed streamlining consular processes and promoting investment, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, agriculture, and biofuels. As the joint statement detailed, “The following areas were identified as priorities: agriculture; renewable energy (especially solar); biofuels; information and communication technologies; cybersecurity; public health; education and technical training; civil aviation; infrastructure, railways; water management and cooperation; sustainable development; and space cooperation.”
Senior representatives from several Paraguayan ministries were present, including those responsible for education, public health, industry, commerce, ICT, and energy. This broad-based participation signals a mutual desire to consolidate a multi-faceted partnership, with both sides expressing their intent to advance negotiations on bilateral instruments and to continue regular consultations. The next session of the Joint Commission is set to take place in New Delhi at a date to be agreed upon by both nations, further cementing the momentum built in Asuncion.
While India was reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation in Paraguay, another major diplomatic endorsement was taking shape in New Delhi. The High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Anil Sooklal, expressed his country’s excitement about India’s impending chairmanship of BRICS, the influential bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. India assumes the presidency on January 1, 2026, and will host the 18th BRICS Summit later that year.
Sooklal’s optimism was clear as he spoke to ANI about the significance of India’s leadership at this critical juncture. “As the BRICS family, we are very excited by India’s chairmanship of BRICS starting first of January 2026 because we know the energy that India brings to the table. We saw that during the G20 presidency in India, and I expect the same kind of energy to be brought to the table by India,” he said. He further emphasized the timing, noting, “India is taking the BRICS chairmanship at a very critical time. The global community is, in many senses, at an inflexion point and in need of leadership. India at present is one of the few countries with a positive trust factor in its favour with both countries of the global north and countries of the global South.”
Sooklal did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing BRICS nations, particularly the weaponization of trade. He lamented, “It’s unfortunate that trade has been weaponised in this day and age, and BRICS countries are being severely impacted, including India and South Africa, which face 50% tariffs, which are impacting people’s livelihoods. It’s driving more people into poverty, and it’s impacting the development of our countries.” His comments highlight the economic headwinds that BRICS countries must navigate, particularly as global trade tensions rise.
Beyond economics, Sooklal underscored BRICS’ growing relevance in tackling global issues, especially terrorism. He referenced a recent terrorist incident in Delhi, stating, “Today, you cannot ignore BRICS, and in many senses, BRICS is surpassing entities of the Global North. BRICS is not just about the global South, because all of these issues that we address has to do with the global community as a whole, whether it’s the global financial challenges we have the global economy in terms of peace and security, including terrorism, and how we collectively address the scourge of terrorism that’s reared its ugly head here in Delhi a few days ago.”
Despite potential hurdles in attendance, Sooklal expressed confidence in the partnership between India and South Africa, stating, “We’re very confident that India will work very closely with the presidency of South Africa to ensure a successful summit, a substantive Summit, even though we may not have a full house in terms of attendance, but as I have said, we are confident that South Africa will host a successful summit, and with our partners like India, a substantive outcome.”
India’s dual focus on security and economic cooperation—exemplified by its agreements with Paraguay and its leadership role in BRICS—reflects a broader strategy to position itself as a responsible global actor. The country’s willingness to tackle terrorism and cyber threats head-on, while also advocating for fairer trade practices and greater international collaboration, has not gone unnoticed by its partners. The recent meetings in Asuncion and New Delhi suggest that India is increasingly seen as a bridge between the global north and south, capable of fostering dialogue and driving substantive outcomes in a fractured world.
As India prepares for its BRICS presidency and continues to deepen its bilateral ties with countries like Paraguay, the world will be watching to see whether this momentum translates into tangible progress on the pressing issues of our time. The stakes, as both the Indian and South African officials have made clear, could hardly be higher.
