While delivering his keynote address at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Bhupender Yadav said that India’s Chairship is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in placing the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda and redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a people-centric approach and the spirit of “Humanity First”.
Yadav welcomed ministers and heads of delegations from BRICS member countries to the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, being held in New Delhi.
Highlighting the growing global environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, Yadav said these concerns pose particular challenges for developing countries, where environmental vulnerabilities are often closely intertwined with broader development priorities. He called for stronger BRICS cooperation on forest fire prevention, preparedness, early warning, response and post-fire recovery, while underscoring the importance of climate finance, adaptation and empowering local communities.
“Under the #IndiaBRICSChairship, welcomed Hon’ble Ministers and delegates from BRICS Member Countries during the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting. We look forward to further strengthening cooperation and engage in a meaningful manner for positive outcomes for the Environment Working Group. @BRICSIndia2026” said Bhupender Yadav in a post on X.
Yadav emphasised that ecological restoration and human development can advance hand in hand, citing Mission ‘LiFE’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ as examples of initiatives that bring together ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership.
He called for greater convergence of traditional knowledge and modern science to develop environmental solutions that are scientifically robust, locally relevant and socially inclusive.
Highlighting India’s new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035, Yadav said it reflects the country’s ambitious commitment to advancing climate action while ensuring inclusive development and energy security.
The Minister outlined four key priorities of India’s BRICS Chairship: Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles; Afforestation, Forest Fire Management and Disaster Resilience; Circular Economy; and Adaptation. He said these priorities are rooted in the conviction that environmental action must remain people-centric, sustainable and implementation-oriented, while responding to the specific realities and development needs of developing countries.
Yadav said the progress made during India’s BRICS Chairship was the result of months of dialogue, negotiation and collaboration among member countries. He called for building resilience without leaving communities behind, pursuing innovation with responsibility and placing sustainability at the heart of development.
He further emphasised that BRICS can “convert cooperation into collective and co-operative capability” by strengthening knowledge networks, technical exchanges, training, technology cooperation and institutional partnerships.
-with inputs from PIB
