India sets agenda for BRICS 2026 with focus on resilience, innovation and sustainability
New Delhi, February 12. India formally launched its BRICS Chairship for 2026 by hosting the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas in New Delhi on February 9-10, outlining an ambitious agenda centred on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
The meeting was chaired by Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa, with support from Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) Shambhu L Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Senior representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates participated in the deliberations.
The BRICS Sherpas and country representatives jointly called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on February 10, underlining the political backing for India’s leadership of the grouping this year.
India’s chairship priorities
During the two-day discussions, India unveiled its chairship theme for 2026: ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’. The theme seeks to consolidate past BRICS initiatives while steering the bloc toward more future-oriented and people-focused collaboration.
Various ministries and departments of the Government of India presented proposed priorities and activities across a broad range of sectors. These included cooperation in health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, information and communication technology (ICT), security and counter-terrorism, as well as economic and financial matters.
Delegates also engaged in substantive discussions on the institutional development of BRICS, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen the grouping’s mechanisms and enhance coordination among its expanding membership.
Emphasis on people-centric engagement
In line with India’s stated approach of a “people-centric” chairship, special emphasis was placed on expanding social and cultural engagement within the BRICS framework. Presentations were made on collaboration in sports, youth exchanges, cultural initiatives, and the activities of the BRICS Academic Forum, Think Tank Council and Civil Forum.
The role of the private sector and women entrepreneurs was also highlighted through discussions on the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, signalling India’s intent to deepen grassroots and business-level partnerships among member countries.
Representatives from BRICS partner countries attended the opening session of the meeting and welcomed India’s proposed theme and priorities. Member and partner nations expressed support for advancing the shared goals of resilience, innovation and sustainability, while endorsing India’s inclusive and people-focused approach.
Cultural outreach and next steps
As part of the programme, delegates visited the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy and the Akshardham Temple, offering them a glimpse of India’s cultural heritage.
The Sherpas and Sous Sherpas are expected to meet regularly throughout the year to coordinate work across the various thematic tracks, setting the stage for ministerial meetings and the BRICS Leaders’ Summit later in 2026.
With its expanded membership and growing global footprint, BRICS under India’s chairship is poised to play a significant role in shaping cooperation among emerging economies in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
