Hyderabad hosted the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting on 15 July 2026 under India’s chairmanship. The two‑day summit adopted a joint declaration to deepen cooperation on social protection, labour market reforms, women’s workforce participation, skills development and digital employment services.
Key Developments
- India highlighted the consolidation of 29 outdated labour laws into four Labour Codes in November 2025.
- Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya2,100 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) employing 2.35 million professionals and generating nearly USD 98 billion annually.
- Telangana Labour Minister Vivek VenkataswamyTOMCOM model and called for best‑practice exchange.
- The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration.
- Launch of BRICS CONNECT.
Important Facts
The summit was held under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’. Delegates included labour ministers, heads of delegations, employer and worker organisations, and international partners. The focus was on the future of work in developing economies.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the BRICS framework is essential for GS‑1 (International Relations) and GS‑3 (Economy) papers. The shift to Labour Codes illustrates India’s regulatory reform trajectory, a frequent UPSC topic. Data on GCCs highlights the country’s role in global value chains. The declaration and BRICS CONNECT reflect multilateral cooperation, relevant for questions on international institutions.
Way Forward
Member countries are expected to translate the declaration into actionable policies: harmonising social protection schemes, facilitating skill‑upgradation, promoting women’s participation, and expanding digital employment services. India’s model of transparent overseas placement through TOMCOM could be replicated across BRICS. Strengthening BRICS CONNECT will institutionalise knowledge sharing, helping developing economies address common labour market challenges.