India has used its year as chair of BRICS to push several new initiatives covering startups, agriculture, healthcare, technology, energy, supply chains, trade and law enforcement, as the 18th BRICS Summit approaches in New Delhi in September.
India took over the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026, for the fourth time, under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
According to the government, more than 350 meetings have been held during India’s chairship involving ministers, working groups, Sherpas, business leaders and other stakeholders. The government has identified 20 major outcomes from the year.
Startup Fund and Innovation Network
One of the major economic initiatives is the proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, which aims to bring together public and private funding from member countries to support innovative and scalable startups.
BRICS countries have also agreed to create a Startup Innovation Network linking national agencies, incubators and startups across member countries. The network is expected to help startups access incubators and innovation ecosystems in other BRICS nations.
India has placed innovation and technology among the key areas of its BRICS chairmanship, with an emphasis on turning cooperation into practical platforms and programmes.
Digital Agriculture and Farmers
Agriculture has emerged as another important area of cooperation.
BRICS countries have agreed to establish a Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture to promote research and knowledge sharing on sustainable farming.
A BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence, geospatial technology and digital infrastructure to support data-driven farming.
The BRICS AGRIN network will work on agro-inputs, genetic resources, seeds and information.
The bloc has also proposed a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems, with India taking the first turn to coordinate the initiative through the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority.
Mental Health and Healthy Lifestyles
India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, or NIMHANS, will play a key role in the new BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness.
The network is expected to support research, knowledge sharing and efforts to reduce gaps in mental healthcare across BRICS countries.
BRICS has also launched a Mission for Healthy Lifestyle with a roadmap for 2026 to 2029. It covers areas including healthy diets, physical activity, traditional food practices and prevention of chronic diseases.
An expert group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine will also focus on research standards and regulatory cooperation.
Energy and Smart Grids
BRICS has adopted Guiding Principles on Energy Storage and Smart Grids as part of efforts to improve energy resilience and support clean energy.
A Digital Centre of Excellence has also been launched to encourage the sharing of technology, policies and pilot projects related to energy storage and smart grids.
Supply Chains and Green Aviation
India’s BRICS chairmanship has also focused on strengthening global supply chains.
The bloc has adopted a Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework aimed at improving transport, cargo and shipping cooperation and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.
BRICS has also created a Forum on Sustainable Aviation Fuels, focusing on areas such as feedstock mapping and certification to support cleaner aviation.
Support for MSMEs and Global Trade
BRICS has launched an MSME Cooperation Portal to help small and medium businesses connect with markets and opportunities across member countries.
A separate dialogue on MSME financing will focus on improving access to capital for smaller businesses.
The bloc has also supported an inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its centre.
A Global Value Chains Action Plan up to 2030 has also been adopted to strengthen supply chains, improve market access and make trade networks more resilient.
Digital Infrastructure and Skills
Technology cooperation has become a major part of India’s BRICS agenda.
The group has proposed a digital public infrastructure repository and pilot projects aimed at helping member countries develop their digital systems.
A BRICS Science and Research Repository will support the sharing of scientific knowledge and research.
BRICS CONNECT has also been launched to promote skills development, employability, labour-market information, digital employment services and social security cooperation.
Security and Cybercrime Cooperation
BRICS cooperation has also expanded into security.
National Security Advisers from member countries have discussed terrorism, cyber security, energy and food security, supply-chain resilience and emerging technologies.
BRICS countries are also working through existing mechanisms on counter-terrorism and information and communications technology security.
Anti-drug agencies from member countries adopted the Guwahati Declaration to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking and organised crime.
The initiative includes intelligence sharing, early-warning systems and efforts to tackle maritime drug trafficking routes.
Action Against Fugitive Offenders
Another major initiative is an in-principle agreement to create a BRICS Network of Law-Enforcement Practitioners.
The network will focus on tracking fugitive offenders and supporting cooperation on extradition.
BRICS countries have also supported a repository for informal cooperation on fugitive tracing and an Expert Network on Asset Recovery to improve the exchange of information between law-enforcement professionals.
Customs Cooperation
BRICS members are also moving towards an agreement on customs cooperation and mutual administrative assistance.
The agreement is intended to make trade easier and faster, reduce costs, improve border security and strengthen efforts against illicit trade.
The member countries have already given in-principle approval to the agreement and are preparing for its signing.
New Delhi Summit in September
These initiatives will form part of the discussions at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September.
BRICS currently has 11 full members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. The grouping also has 10 partner countries.
India has described its BRICS chairmanship as a whole-of-nation effort, with priorities including Global South cooperation, farmer-focused agriculture, healthcare, future-ready mobility, women-led development, energy access, climate resilience, MSMEs, startups, stronger value chains and sustainable development.
The overall focus of India’s chairmanship has been to make BRICS more action-oriented by creating practical funds, networks, portals and cooperation frameworks across multiple sectors.
