India Hosts 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi
India hosted the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, gathering environment ministers, senior officials, policymakers, and experts from BRICS member countries to discuss pressing global environmental challenges.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, presided over the meeting, which aimed to strengthen cooperation among member countries through policy, technology, innovation, and public participation. The discussions were held under the theme of India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” reflecting the country’s focus on finding practical and collaborative solutions to environmental issues.
During his address, Yadav emphasized that building a sustainable planet requires strong policies, modern technology, and active public engagement from governments. He highlighted the importance of adopting a humanity-first approach when tackling climate and environmental challenges.
Yadav also shared India’s progress in emissions reduction, stating that the country has decreased its pollution emission intensity by more than 37 percent between 2005 and 2022. He noted that over half of India’s total power capacity now comes from clean energy sources, illustrating the increasing role of renewable and cleaner energy options in the nation’s development journey.
The meeting served as an opportunity for BRICS countries to exchange experiences and share adaptable solutions across different regions. Yadav reiterated that, as the current chair, India is committed to maintaining open, constructive, and consensus-based dialogue while valuing the contributions and experiences of every member country.
A significant moment during the meeting was the unveiling of four knowledge compendiums by Yadav and the Heads of Delegations from BRICS member countries. These documents, prepared by the BRICS Environment Working Group, compile leading practices, knowledge systems, and innovations from member nations.
The meeting takes place at a time when nations are seeking ways to balance economic development with environmental responsibility. Through ongoing cooperation, the BRICS platform aims to promote knowledge-sharing and practical action on sustainability, climate change, and environmental protection.
For India, the meeting also provided an opportunity to showcase its environmental efforts and to encourage BRICS partners to collaborate toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
