India to Host BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore Under 2026 Chairship

The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on empowering youth as key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable development and international cooperation.

As part of India's BRICS Chairship for 2026, the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will organise the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on 20–21 May 2026.

The meeting will bring together young entrepreneurs, policymakers and representatives from BRICS member countries under the broader theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

The initiative reflects India's growing focus on empowering youth as key drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable development and international cooperation.

India Emphasises Youth-Led Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Government of India said the meeting highlights its commitment to strengthening youth engagement and promoting international collaboration through entrepreneurship-driven development.

Officials noted that young entrepreneurs increasingly play a critical role in:

• Economic growth;

• Startup development;

• Innovation ecosystems;

• Digital transformation, and

• Sustainable development initiatives.

The BRICS platform is expected to facilitate greater cooperation among member nations in creating enabling environments for youth-led enterprises and innovation.

High-Level Participation Expected

The two-day event will feature a virtual address by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

The inaugural session will be led by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who will inaugurate the exhibition and deliver the opening address.

The session will also include remarks by:

• Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and

• Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs.

Officials said the participation of senior policymakers reflects the importance being attached to youth entrepreneurship and innovation under India's BRICS Chairship agenda.

Focus on Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability

The Working Group Meeting will feature a combination of:

• Structured policy discussions;

• Interactive sessions;

• Collaborative exchanges, and

• Cross-country engagement programmes.

Thematic discussions will focus on several important areas, including:

• Digital innovation;

• Entrepreneurship ecosystems;

• Inclusivity in startup development;

• Sustainable business models, and

• International collaboration among young entrepreneurs.

The event aims to encourage exchange of experiences, policy ideas and innovative practices among BRICS countries.

Platform for Cross-Country Learning and Partnerships

The meeting is expected to provide young entrepreneurs with opportunities to:

• Share successful business models;

• Explore partnerships;

• Build international networks, and

• Learn from entrepreneurship ecosystems in other BRICS nations.

Officials said the programme will help foster a shared understanding of how entrepreneurship can contribute to:

• Economic development;

• Employment generation;

• Social impact, and

• Sustainable growth.

The discussions are also expected to examine ways of strengthening institutional support systems for startups and innovation-led enterprises.

India Strengthening Youth Engagement Through BRICS

India's organisation of the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen youth diplomacy and international cooperation during its 2026 BRICS Chairship.

The initiative underscores India's emphasis on:

• Youth empowerment;

• Startup culture;

• Innovation-led growth;

• South-South cooperation, and

• Sustainable development partnerships.

India has consistently promoted entrepreneurship and innovation as key pillars of economic transformation and self-reliance.

Officials said the meeting in Indore will contribute towards building stronger collaboration among BRICS nations in preparing young entrepreneurs to address future economic and social challenges.

Growing Importance of BRICS Cooperation

The BRICS grouping — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with newly expanded member countries — continues to focus on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, technology, innovation, education and youth development.

Experts say youth entrepreneurship is increasingly emerging as an important area of collaboration as member countries seek to harness demographic advantages and accelerate innovation-driven growth.

The Working Group Meeting is expected to contribute to future policy frameworks and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems across BRICS countries.