India Champions Inclusive Industrial Growth at 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília

India actively participated in the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil, on 21st May 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” The event highlighted India’s leadership in promoting innovation, startup collaboration, and digital industrial transformation among BRICS nations.

Why in News?

India participated in the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília, where it launched a dedicated Startup Knowledge Hub and emphasized the contribution of MSMEs and digital innovation in industrial growth. The event also featured the first participation of newly inducted BRICS members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

• Hosted by Brazil at Itamaraty Palace, Brasília, on 21st May 2025
• Attended by BRICS members including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE
• Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”
• Adoption of a Joint Declaration reaffirming commitment to open, fair, and resilient global economic governance

India’s Key Contributions

• Launch of BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub
• Launched on 31st January 2025
• Platform to foster cross-border collaboration, innovation, and best practices among startups in BRICS nations
• Initiative under BRICS Start-Up Forum

Focus on MSMEs

• India highlighted the sector’s role in inclusive growth
• 5.93 crore registered MSMEs
• 25+ crore employed
• Contributed 45.73% of India’s exports in FY 2023–24

Vision for Industry 4.0

• India emphasized the integration of digital technologies and innovation in industry
• Advocated a future-ready, digitally empowered, and inclusive industrial ecosystem
• Echoed alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Digital India Achievements

• Rise in internet users from 251.59 million (2014) to 954.40 million (March 2024)
• India described as the world’s largest digitally connected democracy

Core Principles Promoted by India

India called for BRICS industrial cooperation to be guided by

• Sahyog (Collaboration)
• Samanjasya (Harmony)
• Samagrata (Inclusiveness)
• Sarvasammati (Consensus)