BRICS Nations Discuss Inclusive Urban Growth at New Delhi Forum

India is hosting the BRICS Urbanisation Forum for the fourth time, following previous editions held in New Delhi, Visakhapatnam and a virtual edition in 2021.

The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum commenced in New Delhi on Thursday, bringing together ministers, senior officials and urban development experts from BRICS member countries to discuss the future of sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.

Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, the two-day forum is centered on the theme "Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures." Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates are participating in the discussions.

India is hosting the BRICS Urbanisation Forum for the fourth time, following previous editions held in New Delhi, Visakhapatnam and a virtual edition in 2021.

Focus on People-Centric Urban Development

Inaugurating the forum, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said the gathering offers an important opportunity to place urban development at the center of global conversations on growth and sustainability.

He highlighted India's urban development priorities, including inclusive city planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, stronger urban institutions and the use of digital technologies to improve governance and public services.

Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala noted that the forum has evolved into a valuable platform for sharing experiences, exchanging best practices and building stronger cooperation among member countries facing similar urban challenges.

During the inaugural session, the Minister also launched a publication titled "India's Urban Transformation: Stories of Change," showcasing successful urban development initiatives undertaken by states and Union Territories across the country.

Member Nations Share Urban Development Strategies

A high-level plenary session followed the inauguration, providing participating countries with an opportunity to present their approaches to urbanization, infrastructure development and sustainable growth.

The discussions focused on common challenges such as rapid urban expansion, affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation and improving the quality of life for urban residents.

Through country statements and policy exchanges, delegates explored ways to strengthen cooperation and learn from each other's experiences in managing growing cities.

Bilateral Meetings Strengthen Cooperation

On the sidelines of the forum, India and Russia held a bilateral meeting focused on expanding cooperation in sustainable urban development.

The discussions were co-chaired by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu and Russia's Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities, Yury Mutsenek. Both sides reviewed progress on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding covering areas such as urban planning, affordable housing, municipal infrastructure, sustainable construction technologies, capacity building and urban governance.

Additional bilateral engagements took place between Iran and Russia, Iran and China, and Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Delegates also visited several landmark urban projects in and around New Delhi, including the New Parliament Complex and the India Gate–Kartavya Path precinct, providing international participants with firsthand exposure to India's ongoing urban transformation efforts.

The day's proceedings concluded with a cultural programme and networking dinner, creating further opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among participating nations.