India’s BRICS Chairship Guided by ‘Humanity First’: Dalela
Aug 24, 2026
India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by a people-centric approach based on the principle of “Humanity First”, BRICS Sherpa and Secretary, Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Sudhakar Dalela, said on Sunday.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 18th BRICS Academic Forum in Lucknow, Dalela said India’s BRICS Presidency has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
He said more than 400 meetings have been organised across nearly 30 cities as part of India’s BRICS Chairship, describing the effort as a collective, whole-of-nation initiative aimed at advancing the grouping’s agenda.
Dalela said BRICS has evolved from an idea into a major platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. The grouping, he said, continues to translate dialogue into practical solutions and ideas into tangible outcomes.
Highlighting the importance of climate action, Dalela said sustainability must remain closely linked to the needs of people and communities. He also underlined the role of traditional and community knowledge in strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable development.
Lucknow University Vice Chancellor Jai Prakash Saini said the BRICS Academic Forum plays an important role in connecting knowledge with public policy. Universities, he said, provide a platform to examine ideas, assess evidence and explore new possibilities.
Saini emphasised that cooperation remains central to the BRICS partnership and offers member countries opportunities to learn from one another, exchange experiences and work towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, said the future agenda of BRICS would include technology, artificial intelligence governance, green transitions, renewable energy and sustainable coexistence with ecosystems.
He said resilience, cooperation, inclusion and sustainable development would be key factors shaping the future of BRICS and the wider world.
The 18th BRICS Academic Forum is being held in Lucknow from August 23 to 25. It is being organised by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries and the University of Lucknow as part of India’s BRICS Presidency.
