India’s demographic strength gives BRICS nations a unique opportunity to shape the future of work, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday while addressing the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting underway in Indore under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
Organised by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the meeting has brought together youth entrepreneurs, policymakers, delegates and stakeholders from BRICS countries to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in entrepreneurship and promote innovation-led sustainable growth.
Addressing the gathering via video conferencing, Mandaviya highlighted the demographic advantage of BRICS nations, noting that the grouping represents nearly half of the world’s population, with a large share below the age of 35. He said young people across BRICS nations are already driving transformational change and have the potential to shape the future global workforce.
The minister also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant progress in generating employment opportunities and building a vibrant startup ecosystem through skilling, digital inclusion and enterprise-led growth.
A key session during the meeting, titled “From Local Innovation to Global Impact: BRICS Cooperation for a Youth-Led Startup Ecosystem,” saw participating nations share experiences, initiatives and best practices related to entrepreneurship and startup development.
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse said collaboration among BRICS nations can help local innovations achieve global impact. She also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where young entrepreneurs are increasingly building successful enterprises.
Speaking during the plenary session, Pallavi Jain Govil underlined the importance of youth-led entrepreneurship in driving innovation, employment and inclusive growth. She said the BRICS Entrepreneurship Working Group provides an important platform for member countries to exchange developmental experiences and explore scalable approaches for building resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The inaugural session was attended by Vishvas Kailash Sarang, Nitesh Kumar Mishra, delegates from BRICS member countries, senior government officials and entrepreneurs.
The programme began with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives across sectors including technology, sustainability and social enterprise. It also featured thematic panel discussions on digital innovation, social entrepreneurship, green entrepreneurship and climate-positive business models.
Interactive networking engagements and a fireside conversation with young entrepreneurs were also organised to encourage collaboration, dialogue and cross-country learning among participants.
The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting is underway from May 20 to 21 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
