What happened: India’s BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting outcomes

Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), welcomed Ministers and Heads of Delegations from BRICS member countries at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, and it concluded with consensus adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement (JMS) and the launch of four Knowledge Compendiums.

India’s keynote positions: people-centric and implementation-oriented environmental action

In the keynote address, Bhupender Yadav linked India’s chairship agenda to a vision of placing Global South concerns at the forefront. He presented BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability”, and emphasised people-centric action and the spirit of “Humanity First”.

Bhupender Yadav highlighted global environmental challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks—especially for developing countries. He argued that environmental vulnerability often connects with broader development priorities, so environmental action must also support development needs.

On forest-related disasters, the Minister called for stronger BRICS cooperation on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning, response, and post-fire recovery. He also stressed climate finance, climate adaptation, and empowering local communities.

Related current affairs