Senior officials from BRICS nations met in New Delhi on February 9–10, 2026, to discuss India’s priorities under its Chairship theme focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
The first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas under India’s Chairship was held on February 9 and 10, 2026, in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Secretary (Economic Relations) Mr. Sudhakar Dalela, who serves as India’s BRICS Sherpa. He was supported by Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) Mr. Shambhu L. Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa.
Senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates took part in the meeting. On February 10, 2026, the BRICS Sherpas and country representatives jointly called on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
During the meeting, India presented its priorities for the 2026 Chairship under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India shared plans and proposed activities across different BRICS cooperation areas.
These areas included health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, information and communication technology (ICT), security and counter-terrorism, and economic and financial cooperation. There was also a detailed exchange of views on the institutional development of the BRICS grouping.
India highlighted its “people-centric” approach during its Chairship. Presentations were made on cooperation in sports, youth engagement, cultural exchanges, the BRICS Academic Forum, BRICS Think Tank Council, BRICS Civil Forum, the BRICS Business Council, and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance.
Representatives of BRICS Partner countries attended the opening session of the meeting. Both BRICS Members and Partner countries welcomed India’s theme and priorities. They appreciated the focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation, sustainability, and a people-first approach, and shared their views on how to strengthen collaboration in the coming year.
As part of the program, delegates visited the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy and Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. The BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas are expected to meet regularly throughout 2026 to coordinate work across various thematic tracks.
Source: MEA
