A meeting of senior officials on environment and climate change, held under India’s BRICS presidency for 2026, took place on August 17 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Tanmay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). BRICS nations, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE, participated in the meeting.
In his address, the Chairperson stated that BRICS has now evolved beyond economic cooperation to become a significant platform for addressing environmental challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. He emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in sustainable development, climate adaptation, and resource efficiency.
Under India’s presidency, the Environment Working Group and the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development fostered cooperation in four key areas: Sustainable Lifestyles, Afforestation and Forest Fire Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Circular Economy and Climate Adaptation.
The Chairperson stated that BRICS 2026 is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Humanity First vision. In line with this spirit, environmental conservation is being promoted alongside development under the theme of ‘Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability’.
During India’s presidency, BRICS member nations organized 21 virtual meetings, 10 bilateral consultations, 2 thematic dialogues, and 2 technical webinars to advance the shared agenda. A consensus on key priorities is expected to emerge following detailed discussions at the senior officials’ meeting.
The meeting concluded with the consensus that India’s BRICS presidency has strengthened environmental cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and consensus. Member nations commended India’s leadership. Additionally, preparations were finalized for the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled to be held in New Delhi the following day.
(PIB)
