India’s vision for its BRICS 2026 chairship — centered on a people-first, development-driven agenda — received broad appreciation from member and partner countries during the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous Sherpa meeting held in New Delhi on February 9–10, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

The meeting was chaired by MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) and India’s BRICS Sherpa Sudhakar Dalela, along with Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) Shambhu L. Hakki, who serves as India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa. Senior representatives from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia participated in the discussions.

India presented its chairship theme — “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” — outlining priority areas across economic, social, technological, and security domains. Multiple Indian ministries and departments made detailed presentations on proposed initiatives in health, agriculture, labor and employment, disaster risk reduction, climate action, clean energy, digital innovation, ICT, counter-terrorism, and economic and financial cooperation.

Reflecting India’s people-centric approach, dedicated sessions were also held on sports collaboration, youth engagement, cultural exchanges, academic cooperation, and civil society partnerships. Platforms such as the BRICS Academic Forum, Think Tank Council, Civil Forum, Business Council, and Women’s Business Alliance featured prominently in the discussions.

According to the MEA, BRICS members and partner countries welcomed India’s priorities, noting that they build on past chairships while adding a strong focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and human development. Delegations also exchanged views on strengthening BRICS institutional mechanisms to make the grouping more effective and responsive to global challenges.

During their visit, delegates toured the National Crafts Museum and Hastakala Academy and visited the iconic Akshardham Temple, showcasing India’s cultural heritage alongside its diplomatic outreach.

On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met the visiting Sherpas and country representatives, praising their constructive inputs and reaffirming BRICS’ role as a key platform for the Global South.

“BRICS completes 20 years as a valuable forum for consultation, coordination, and cooperation, advancing a truly people-centric agenda,” Jaishankar said in a post on X, emphasizing that collective perspectives would help shape India’s presidency.

The Sherpas and Sous Sherpas are expected to meet regularly throughout the year to coordinate work across thematic tracks and prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled under India’s chairship in 2026.

As India leads BRICS next year, its emphasis on resilience, innovation, sustainability, and human development signals a clear shift toward a more inclusive and pragmatic multilateral agenda — one that seeks to amplify the voice of emerging economies in global governance.