India has presented its priorities for the BRICS chairship in 2026 during the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas held in New Delhi on February 9–10. The agenda was framed around the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
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. Sherpas and senior representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE participated in the discussions.
During the engagement, delegates also jointly called on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The ministry said multiple Indian government departments and ministries outlined proposed initiatives across several thematic areas linked to BRICS cooperation.
These areas included health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, information and communication technology, security and counter-terrorism, as well as economic and financial cooperation. Participants also exchanged views on institutional development within the BRICS framework.
India emphasised a “people-centric” approach to its upcoming chairship. Presentations were made on cooperation in sports, youth engagement, cultural exchanges, the BRICS Academic Forum, Think Tank Council, Civil Forum, Business Council and the Women’s Business Alliance. The discussions aimed to expand collaboration beyond economic coordination to broader social and cultural dimensions.
Representatives from BRICS partner countries attended the opening session. According to the MEA statement, members and partners acknowledged the theme and priorities proposed by India and shared perspectives on advancing resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The discussions built on initiatives undertaken during previous BRICS chairships.
The visiting delegates also toured the National Crafts Museum and Hastakala Academy as well as Akshardham Temple during their stay in New Delhi. Officials indicated that Sherpas and Sous Sherpas will continue to meet through the year to coordinate work across various thematic tracks tied to the grouping’s agenda.
During his interaction with the visiting representatives, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar noted that BRICS, completing two decades as a grouping, continues to function as a platform for international cooperation, consultation and coordination. In a post on X, he acknowledged the suggestions and perspectives shared by delegations for advancing priorities related to resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
The ministry stated that India’s outlined priorities reflect continuity with earlier BRICS initiatives while highlighting an emphasis on collaborative growth, institutional engagement and a people-focused agenda as preparations advance for the 2026 chairship.
