BRICS 2026: India Pushes Technology, Energy and Disaster Resilience Agenda

India’s 2026 BRICS chairship has focused on disaster resilience, technology, energy, climate action and people-to-people cooperation ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 12–13.

India has chaired BRICS for the fourth time in 2026, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” During the presidency, meetings and engagements have been held across different sectors, including political and security affairs, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

On disaster risk reduction, BRICS adopted a joint statement supporting the 2025–2028 Disaster Risk Reduction Work Plan. Cooperation under the plan covers early-warning systems, resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, financing and disaster preparedness. Six knowledge products were also launched.

Technology has been another area of cooperation, with discussions covering artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Industry 4.0, science and technology, startups and sports technology. The ICT track has focused on digital cooperation, while the science and technology track has addressed innovation and research.

In the energy sector, India launched the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage. BRICS countries have also worked on guiding principles for smart grids and energy storage, along with cooperation on hydrogen value chains.

The environmental track resulted in a Joint Ministerial Statement and four knowledge compendiums covering sustainable lifestyles, landscape management, desertification, ecosystem resilience and forest-fire preparedness.

The BRICS Women Track has addressed women’s leadership, economic opportunities, digital and financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, climate action, food security and nutrition. Youth cooperation has focused on education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, health, sports and sustainability.

India’s BRICS chairship has also covered labour, education, health, agriculture, logistics and sustainable transport. The outcomes of these meetings will be discussed at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.