NEW DELHI – India’s BRICS Presidency is gathering momentum as a series of high-level ministerial meetings in early August lays the groundwork for the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi next month. The intensive diplomatic calendar reflects New Delhi’s ambition to translate growing political influence into practical cooperation across trade, health, environment, innovation and governance.
Since assuming the rotating presidency on 1 January, India has emphasised an agenda focused on strengthening multilateralism, accelerating sustainable development and delivering tangible benefits for the expanded BRICS membership. The ministerial meetings taking place during the first half of August represent a crucial phase in shaping the declarations and initiatives expected to be endorsed by heads of state and government at the September summit.
Among the most significant engagements is the BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, where member states are expected to deepen cooperation on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and the transition towards greener economies. Discussions are also likely to examine financing mechanisms that can support developing countries in meeting climate goals without compromising economic growth.
Health remains another major priority. BRICS Health Ministers are scheduled to review collaboration on pandemic preparedness, vaccine research, digital health systems and the strengthening of resilient healthcare infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of closer cooperation among emerging economies, and member countries are expected to explore ways of improving information-sharing, pharmaceutical partnerships and joint research.
Innovation and technology are also high on the agenda. Ministers responsible for science, technology and innovation are expected to consider initiatives aimed at expanding research collaboration, supporting artificial intelligence governance, promoting digital public infrastructure and strengthening technology transfer among member states. India has consistently championed the use of digital platforms to improve public service delivery and financial inclusion, making digital cooperation one of the defining themes of its presidency.
Economic cooperation will receive renewed attention through meetings involving finance, trade and industry officials. With the expanded BRICS grouping now representing a significant share of global economic output, discussions are expected to focus on facilitating trade, improving investment flows, strengthening supply chains and enhancing the role of the bloc’s financial institutions, including the New Development Bank.
The meetings also provide an opportunity to advance cooperation among BRICS business councils and working groups, many of which have increasingly shifted from policy dialogue towards developing concrete commercial partnerships. Private sector participation is expected to feature prominently as governments seek practical mechanisms to convert political relationships into investment opportunities and industrial collaboration.
India has repeatedly stressed that its presidency aims to make BRICS more action-oriented and implementation-focused. Rather than producing broad declarations alone, New Delhi has encouraged member states to pursue measurable outcomes across areas such as healthcare, education, energy security, food security and digital transformation.
The expanded BRICS grouping—which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates—continues to attract growing international attention as it seeks a stronger voice in global governance. The bloc has consistently called for reforms of international financial institutions, greater representation for developing countries and a more inclusive multilateral system.
The ministerial engagements throughout August are expected to finalise many of the proposals that leaders will consider when they gather in New Delhi in September. As preparations accelerate, India’s presidency is increasingly being judged not only by the breadth of its agenda, but by its ability to deliver concrete initiatives that reinforce BRICS’ role as a leading platform for cooperation among emerging economies.
