Inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 Held in Agra to Enhance Cooperation Among Member Nations

Key Facts

• The Inaugural BRICS MSME Forum was held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, on 19-20 June 2026.
• It was organized under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, during India's BRICS 2026 chairship.
• Delegates from BRICS member countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—and partner countries participated.
• The forum focused on key MSME sector challenges: financing access, technology adoption, sustainability, entrepreneurship development, and enhancing market access.
• The BRICS MSMEs Cooperation Framework, adopted in 2023 under South Africa’s chairmanship, focuses on promoting women- and youth-owned MSMEs, improving access to resources, and participation in global value chains.
• India hosted three SME Working Group meetings as part of its 2026 chairship: the first on 24 April focusing on Access to Finance for MSMEs, and the second on 26 May on Enhancing Access to Technology for MSMEs.
• Uttar Pradesh’s MSME sector was highlighted for rapid economic growth driven by infrastructure development, policy support, skill enhancement, and digital empowerment.

Background & Context

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group addresses issues of mutual economic cooperation and development. MSMEs—micro, small and medium enterprises—are vital engines of innovation, employment, and inclusive growth within these economies.

Under India's chairship in 2026, MSME cooperation received renewed focus through strategic dialogues aimed at overcoming persistent challenges such as financing gaps, technological adoption hurdles, and sustainable manufacturing practices. The Inaugural BRICS MSME Forum brought together policy makers, government officials, and industry leaders to share best practices and advance policies to promote MSMEs at a multilateral level, building upon the BRICS MSMEs Cooperation Framework established in 2023.

Why This Matters for Exams

The BRICS MSME Forum 2026 and India’s leadership role hold significant relevance for examinations covering international relations, economic development, and MSME sector policies. Candidates should remember key facts such as the forum’s date and venue, major thematic areas (finance, technology, sustainability), key persons involved, and the context of BRICS cooperation mechanisms. Understanding India’s chairship initiatives and the importance of MSMEs in global economic frameworks enhances preparedness for questions on multilateral diplomacy and economic governance.

Points to Remember

• Forum Dates and Location: 19-20 June 2026, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• India’s role as BRICS Chair in 2026, hosting the inaugural MSME Forum and three SME Working Group meetings.
• Key Participants: Union Minister of MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi, MSME Secretary Bharat Khera, Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Bhupendra Chaudhary, and Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner of MSME.
• Main Discussion Areas: MSME financing and credit access, technology adoption, digital transformation, sustainable manufacturing, skilling, entrepreneurship development, and global market access.
• BRICS MSMEs Cooperation Framework (2023) addresses women- and youth-owned MSMEs, access to resources, and integration into global value chains.
• Recognition of Uttar Pradesh’s MSME sector growth model driven by infrastructure, policy, digital and skill development.