New Delhi, July 15: Under India’s BRICS presidency in 2026, the 12th BRICS Labor and Employment Ministers Meeting was held in Hyderabad. Member countries engaged in extensive discussions on future labor markets, employment, skill development, and social security issues. Following the meeting, Union Minister of Labor and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized enhancing cooperation through bilateral meetings with representatives from Indonesia, Iran, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).
During the meeting, India prominently showcased its digital public infrastructure model. Dr. Mandaviya stated that digital platforms like ‘e-Shram’ and ‘National Career Service (NCS)’ play a crucial role in expanding social security coverage, making employment services accessible, and strengthening international labor mobility. He urged member countries to share experiences and enhance technical cooperation in these areas.
In a meeting with UAE’s Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, discussions focused on labor mobility, digital public infrastructure, and the development of a business classification system. India invited the UAE to participate in the feasibility study of the ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’ being prepared by India-ILO.
Conversations with Russia’s Minister of Labor and Social Security Anton Kotyakov led to an agreement on enhancing cooperation in employment, social security, and skill development. Both sides also considered the exchange of digital solutions for labor market administration and the potential for future Social Security Agreements (SSA).
Meetings with Indonesia’s Labor Minister Yasser Ali and Iran’s Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare Dr. Ahmad Meidari focused on strengthening digital employment services, workforce development, and technology-based labor administration. India expressed its willingness to share experiences in developing digital public goods and to enhance technical cooperation with both countries.
In a meeting with ISSA Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad Azman, the emphasis was placed on making social security systems more effective and exchanging global best practices. Dr. Mandaviya noted that India received the ISSA award in 2025 for increasing social security coverage. He also mentioned that by 2026, India’s social security coverage had reached over one billion people, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive social security.
Union Minister of State for Labor and Employment Shobha Karandlaje held separate bilateral meetings with representatives from Brazil and China. These discussions led to agreements on enhancing cooperation in skill development, digital employment services, labor market information systems, women’s participation in the workforce, and social security.
At the conclusion of the meeting, all member countries reiterated their commitment to advancing the ‘BRICS Connect’ initiative, sharing knowledge, building capacity, and developing an inclusive labor market prepared for the future. A consensus was also reached on adopting a declaration aimed at providing new directions for cooperation in the labor and employment sector.
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