New Delhi, August 18, 2026: India will host the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, bringing together member countries to strengthen cooperation on climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav will chair the meeting, which is being held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship.
The meeting comes at a time when countries are facing growing pressure from climate change, extreme weather, water stress, forest fires and increasing demand for natural resources. For developing economies in particular, the challenge is to expand economic activity while building greater resilience to environmental and climate-related risks.
India has placed climate resilience, sustainable development, afforestation, forest-fire management, circular economy and climate adaptation among the key areas for discussion.
The talks are also expected to focus on how BRICS countries can share technologies, policies and practical experience to address common environmental challenges. The emphasis is expected to be on cooperation that can translate into action rather than remaining limited to broad commitments.
The ministerial meeting follows discussions by the BRICS Environment Working Group and the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Senior officials from BRICS member countries have already held deliberations on environmental and climate priorities ahead of the ministerial-level discussions.
India’s BRICS Chairship theme for 2026 is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The theme reflects India’s push for stronger cooperation among emerging economies on issues that directly affect economic growth and people’s lives.
Afforestation and forest-fire management are among the areas expected to receive attention. Protecting forests is increasingly important not only for biodiversity but also for water security, livelihoods and climate resilience.
The circular economy is another major priority. By encouraging greater reuse, recycling and efficient use of resources, countries can reduce waste and limit pressure on natural resources while creating opportunities for new industries and jobs.
Climate adaptation is also expected to remain central to the discussions. While reducing emissions remains important, developing countries are increasingly focused on preparing communities, infrastructure and economies for the effects of a changing climate.
The meeting also gives India an opportunity to strengthen environmental cooperation among BRICS members, which include major emerging economies with different geographical conditions, natural resources and development priorities.
The participation of countries including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the UAE in the preceding senior-level discussions highlights the broad scope of the environmental agenda within the grouping.
For India, the meeting is an important part of its BRICS Chairship and an opportunity to push for practical cooperation on issues that affect both the environment and economic development.
The central message is increasingly clear: climate resilience and environmental protection have become essential to sustainable economic growth. The New Delhi meeting is expected to focus on how BRICS countries can work together to turn that understanding into concrete action.
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