10th BRICS Industry Ministers' meeting concludes in Jaipur, joint declaration adopted
Jaipur, Aug 6
The 10th BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting concluded in Jaipur on Thursday under India's chairmanship, with member countries adopting a joint declaration to boost industrial cooperation under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution.
Held under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainable Development, the meeting focused on strengthening industrial capabilities, accelerating technological transformation and expanding collaboration among BRICS nations.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed delegates, describing Jaipur as a city blending centuries-old craftsmanship with modern industrial aspirations. He said BRICS countries must convert shared aspirations into practical innovation and cooperation by leveraging complementary strengths to build resilient and self-reliant industries. He added that PartNIR has emerged as the primary platform for advancing such cooperation.
Recalling that the BRICS journey began with the first summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009, Goyal acknowledged Brazil's leadership during its 2025 presidency and reaffirmed India's commitment to taking the partnership forward through a pragmatic approach. He said India's presidency aims to promote trust among businesses, investors and innovators while delivering tangible outcomes for all member nations.
The minister highlighted progress made under PartNIR during India's presidency and outlined outcomes across four priority areas. Key decisions included finalisation of the cooperation framework for the BRICS SME Working Group, adoption of the Terms of Reference and Work Plan for the BRICS Working Group on the Photovoltaic Industry, approval of an action plan to promote innovation-led growth through startups and emphasis on strengthening transport and logistics networks, including GIS-based infrastructure planning and city logistics systems.
India also proposed creation of a BRICS Incubator Network and a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to encourage entrepreneurship, technology collaboration and innovation-driven growth. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening industrial partnerships, saying cooperation, innovation and mutual trust are essential for building a resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrial future.
A major outcome was the adoption of the Joint Declaration, reflecting member countries' commitment to translating dialogue into practical cooperation through initiatives aimed at strengthening industries and promoting sustainable economic development.
Ministers and heads of delegations outlined national priorities to enhance industrial competitiveness. They reiterated their commitment to accelerating digital transformation, promoting sustainable industrial development, strengthening innovation ecosystems and expanding knowledge-sharing under PartNIR.
The participating countries welcomed progress achieved during India's 2026 BRICS presidency and agreed that initiatives launched under PartNIR would help build stronger institutional cooperation and support development of future-ready industries.
Following the third meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI), held in New Delhi on August 3-4, India will host the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur on August 7 under Goyal's chairmanship to focus on strengthening trade cooperation and advancing the BRICS economic agenda.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the focus on startups and SMEs in the BRICS agenda. India's emphasis on digital transformation and logistics could set a good template for other emerging economies. Let's hope the declarations translate into actual cross-border collaboration and not just paperwork.
As someone from Jaipur, I'm delighted that our city is hosting such a prestigious international event. The blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern industry is exactly what we need. Hope the SME Working Group framework actually helps small businesses like my family's handicraft unit expand globally.
While the initiative sounds promising, I remain cautiously optimistic. Declarations are easy; implementation is hard. BRICS needs to show tangible outcomes beyond meetings — otherwise it's just another talk shop. The onus is on the member countries to follow through on these commitments.
Solid step forward! The PartNIR and the focus on new industrial revolution is exactly what emerging economies need to compete with the West. GIS-based infrastructure planning and city logistics systems are areas where India has a lot to contribute and learn. Waiting for the Trade Ministers' meeting tomorrow! 💪
Good to see BRICS focusing on innovation and sustainability. But one concern — with Russia in the group, how will the conflict with Ukraine affect these partnerships? Also, we need to ensure that small businesses in Tier 2 cities benefit from these initiatives and not just big corporates. Just a thought.
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