As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit, energy transition, climate finance, critical minerals and climate resilience are set to form key parts of the grouping’s sustainability agenda.
India, as BRICS chair, has identified sustainability as a priority, covering climate action, green finance, energy transitions and sustainable development. BRICS currently comprises 11 members and 10 partner countries.
Energy Transition
At the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram in June, ministers adopted a joint communiqué and launched the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.
Discussions covered renewable energy, hydrogen, biofuels, energy storage, smart grids, critical minerals, carbon capture, digitalisation and energy efficiency. Ministers also reaffirmed the need to account for different national circumstances, development priorities and energy pathways.
Critical Minerals
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration adopted at the 2025 BRICS Summit recognised the role of critical minerals in low-emission technologies, energy security and resilient supply chains.
BRICS countries called for diversified and resilient critical-mineral supply chains and emphasised value addition, benefit sharing and economic diversification in resource-rich countries.
At the 17th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called for secure and resilient critical-mineral supply chains.
Climate Adaptation
At the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi in August, discussions included climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, pollution, disaster risks and forest-fire prevention and preparedness.
The meeting concluded with a Joint Ministerial Statement and the launch of four knowledge compendiums prepared by the BRICS Environment Working Group.
Climate Finance
The 2025 Rio de Janeiro Declaration called for accessible, timely and affordable climate finance for developing countries, including low-cost and concessional financing to support just and inclusive energy transitions.
Modi has also called for greater access to climate finance and technology for developing economies.
BRICS climate discussions have additionally covered the role of the New Development Bank and technology cooperation in areas including smart grids, storage, hydrogen, carbon capture and energy efficiency.