New Delhi, Aug 28:
India’s 2026 chairship of BRICS has resulted in 20 major initiatives spanning innovation, agriculture, health, energy, trade and security, with a proposed Startup Innovation Fund and a new Digital Agriculture Network among the key outcomes.
India assumed the BRICS chair on January 1 for the fourth time and has since hosted more than 350 meetings involving ministers, working groups, business leaders and other stakeholders.
One of the major economic initiatives is the proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, aimed at mobilising public and private capital from member nations to support innovative and scalable startups. BRICS countries have also approved an Incubator Network to connect startups and incubators across member nations.
Agriculture has emerged as another key area of cooperation. A BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will use artificial intelligence, geospatial technology and digital infrastructure to promote data-driven farming. Member countries have also agreed to establish a Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture.
The initiatives also include cooperation on agro-inputs, genetic resources and seed systems, besides a proposed Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems.
In the health sector, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) will play a central role in a new BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness. A Mission for Healthy Lifestyle for 2026-29 has also been launched.
Energy cooperation includes guiding principles on energy storage and smart grids, along with a Digital Centre of Excellence to facilitate technology sharing and policy cooperation.
India has sought to make BRICS more outcome-oriented, focusing on practical mechanisms in areas ranging from innovation and farming to health, energy, supply chains and security.