India to Host BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2026 in Hyderabad

Why in News?

India will host the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 15–16 July 2026 as part of its BRICS Presidency 2026. The meeting will bring together Labour Ministers, senior officials, and representatives from international organisations to discuss employment generation, workforce skilling, labour market reforms, social protection, and inclusive economic growth.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration, outlining the shared commitment of member countries towards resilient and inclusive labour markets.

BRICS Labour Cooperation

The BRICS grouping serves as an important platform for cooperation among major emerging economies on economic, social, and developmental issues. Apart from annual summits, BRICS regularly conducts sectoral ministerial meetings covering labour, finance, education, health, agriculture, science and technology, and digital economy.

The Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting provides a platform for member countries to exchange best practices and coordinate policy approaches on employment and labour welfare.

The 2026 agenda focuses on:

• Labour market formalisation.
• Employment generation and decent work.
• Workforce skilling and employability.
• Social security and social protection systems.
• Women’s participation in the labour force.
• Future of work and digital transformation.
• Cooperation on labour mobility and skill development.

India’s BRICS Chairship 2026

India holds the BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

As Chair, India has placed emphasis on creating resilient labour markets, promoting inclusive employment opportunities, strengthening social security systems, and preparing workers for emerging technologies and future industries.

Earlier, the Second Employment Working Group Meeting was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 6–7 May 2026, where member countries discussed labour market formalisation, skills development, women’s employment, and expansion of social protection frameworks.

The Hyderabad ministerial meeting will build upon these discussions and provide policy direction for future BRICS cooperation in the labour sector.

Participants of BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2026

The inaugural session is expected to be addressed by Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya.

The meeting will also include participation from:

• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• International Social Security Association (ISSA)
• United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office
• Representatives of employers’ organisations
• Workers’ organisations
• Senior officials from BRICS member countries

The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration, reaffirming cooperation on employment policies, workforce development, labour rights, and social security.

Significance of BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2026

The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting highlights the growing importance of human capital development in emerging economies. As labour markets undergo rapid transformation due to technological advancements, automation, artificial intelligence, and demographic changes, cooperation among BRICS nations can help develop inclusive employment strategies and strengthen workforce resilience.

For India, hosting the meeting reinforces its leadership role within BRICS and provides an opportunity to showcase its initiatives in skill development, digital employment platforms, labour reforms, and social security expansion.

Important Facts for Exams

Prelims Facts

• Event: BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2026
• Host: India
• Venue: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Dates: 15–16 July 2026
• BRICS Chairship Theme (2026): Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
• Union Labour Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya
• BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and has expanded in recent years.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for labour standards, decent work, and social justice.
• The International Social Security Association (ISSA) promotes excellence in social security administration worldwide.