India to host BRICS Environment Working Group meetings in Delhi on Aug 17-18

India is set to host the BRICS Environment Working Group meetings in New Delhi from August 17-18 at Bharat Mandapam, the environment ministry announced on Sunday. The event will proceed under the theme of India’s BRICS chairship for 2026, focusing on 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.'

The schedule includes the BRICS Senior Officers’ Meeting of the Environment Working Group (EWG) and the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development on Monday. Tuesday will feature the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, presided over by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. This ministerial meeting aims to foster substantive discussions, build consensus, and strengthen environmental cooperation among member countries.

The BRICS Environment Working Group, established in 2015, addresses fundamental environmental priorities, shares best practices, and enhances collective action. The Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, formed in 2024, serves as a mechanism for cooperation on climate issues. India, as chair, has highlighted four priority areas: promoting sustainable lifestyles, afforestation, forest fire management and disaster resilience, the circular economy, and adaptation to climate change.

Discussions and deliberations on these themes have already commenced through various virtual meetings and webinars since March 2026. These have included dialogues on resource efficiency, circular economy, aligning carbon markets with adaptation goals, and initiatives addressing land degradation, desertification, drought, and wildfire management for disaster resilience.