India Hosts First BRICS Sherpas Meeting 2026 – What Are the Key Priorities Under India’s Chairship?

India formally began its BRICS Chairship 2026 by hosting the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas in New Delhi from February 9-10, 2026. The meeting marked the start of a year-long engagement under India’s leadership, guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The discussions set the roadmap for cooperation across economic, security, climate and people-centric tracks.

Who Chaired the BRICS Sherpas Meeting?

The meeting was chaired by Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa and Secretary (Economic Relations), supported by Shambhu L. Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa.

Representatives from all BRICS members and partner countries participated, including,

• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• UAE

The Sherpas and country representatives also called on S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, during the meeting.

Theme of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026

India unveiled its Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”

The theme reflects India’s vision of strengthening BRICS as a platform for,

• Economic stability
• Technological innovation
• Climate resilience
• Sustainable development
• Inclusive global governance

The focus is both strategic and people-centric.

Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed

Several ministries and departments of the Government of India presented priorities across thematic areas, including,

• Health cooperation
• Agriculture
• Labour & employment
• Disaster risk reduction
• Environment & climate change
• Energy security
• Innovation & ICT
• Security & counter-terrorism
• Economic and financial cooperation

There was also discussion on institutional development of BRICS, especially as the grouping has expanded in recent years.

People-Centric Approach Under India’s Leadership

India emphasized a “people-centric Chairship”, highlighting engagement beyond government channels.

Presentations were made on,

• BRICS Academic Forum
• BRICS Think Tank Council
• BRICS Civil Forum
• BRICS Business Council
• BRICS Women’s Business Alliance
• Youth and sports cooperation
• Cultural exchanges

This approach aims to strengthen grassroots engagement and public participation within BRICS cooperation frameworks.

Participation of BRICS Partner Countries

• Partner countries participated in the opening session, reflecting the expanded structure of BRICS after recent membership additions.
• Member states appreciated India’s priorities and supported advancing cooperation in resilience, innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.

Cultural Diplomacy and Delegation Visits

As part of cultural engagement, delegates visited,

• National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy
• Akshardham Temple
• Such visits reinforce India’s soft power diplomacy alongside formal diplomatic discussions.

What Is BRICS?

• BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) was coined as BRIC in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill and formalized in 2006, with the first summit in 2009.
• The group represents about 42% of the world’s population, 30% of land, 23% of global GDP, and 18% of trade.
• Expansion includes countries like Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, reflecting Global South aspirations.
• BRICS offers China and Russia strategic influence, while providing an alternative platform for global governance beyond Western dominance.
• Challenges include managing diverse member interests, preventing internal tensions, and maintaining cohesion in an expanded bloc.

Question

Q. The theme of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 is,

A. Inclusive Growth and Global Peace
B. Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
C. Digital Transformation for Development
D. One Earth, One Future