Archive · 27 Aug 2026
India Advances Startup, Agriculture and Security Cooperation Under BRICS
India is leading BRICS during 2026.
BRICS is a group of countries that work together on shared problems.
India says it held more than 350 meetings and developed 20 major outcomes.
One plan would help startups find money and partners in other BRICS countries.
Other plans focus on digital farming, better seeds and environmentally friendly agriculture.
India's NIMHANS will play a central role in a network focused on mental wellness.
BRICS countries also want to improve energy systems, supply chains and trade.
They are working together on crime, drugs, cyber security and finding people who flee across borders.
Leaders are expected to discuss these efforts at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September.
India says its 2026 BRICS chairship has produced 20 headline outcomes after more than 350 meetings.
The BRICS Startup Innovation Fund and Incubator Network aim to connect financing, agencies and startups across member countries.
New agriculture initiatives will promote regenerative farming, digital agriculture, shared research and cooperation on seeds and genetic resources.
Health measures include a mental-wellness network led centrally by India's NIMHANS and a 2026–2029 Mission for Healthy Lifestyle.
BRICS members also adopted frameworks covering supply chains, energy storage, customs, small businesses, cybercrime, drugs and fugitive offenders.
- Who
- India and the BRICS member countries, with participation from officials, businesses, researchers and law-enforcement agencies.
- What
- India's 2026 BRICS chairship has advanced 20 reported initiatives and frameworks covering startups, agriculture, health, energy, trade, technology and security.
- When
- India assumed the BRICS chair on January 1, 2026; the 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled for September 2026.
- Where
- The initiatives involve BRICS countries, while the 18th summit is expected to take place in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- India says it wants BRICS to develop practical platforms and mechanisms rather than remain primarily a forum for declarations.
- BRICS chairship
- India began its fourth BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026, under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Reported activity
- More than 350 meetings have taken place, producing 20 outcomes described by the Indian government as headline results.
- Startup initiative
- The proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund would pool public and private financing for scalable, innovative startups.
- Agriculture initiative
- The BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will use AI, geospatial technology and digital infrastructure for data-driven farming.
- Mental-health initiative
- NIMHANS has a central role in the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness.
- Security cooperation
- BRICS members adopted the Guwahati Declaration on cooperation against drug trafficking and related organised crime.
- Upcoming summit
- The 18th BRICS Summit is expected in New Delhi in September, with leaders from member and partner countries invited.