BRICS Labour Meet: India pushes DPI, skill cooperation; bilateral talks held
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
India, under its 2026 BRICS chairmanship, hosted the 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting in Hyderabad. Following the meet, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya held bilateral talks with counterparts from Indonesia, Iran, Russia, UAE, and ISSA to strengthen cooperation in labour, skills, and digital public infrastructure.
Background
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies. India assumed the BRICS presidency in 2026. The Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting is a regular forum to discuss labour, employment, and social security issues.
Key facts
12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting held in Hyderabad under India's 2026 BRICS chairmanship.
Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya held bilateral meetings with Indonesia, Iran, Russia, UAE, and ISSA.
India showcased its e-Shram and National Career Service (NCS) portals as leading Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for social security and employment services.
Discussions focused on using digital solutions to make labour markets inclusive and efficient.
South-South cooperation through BRICS Connect was emphasized for skill development and workforce planning.
UAE was invited to join the India-ILO feasibility study for developing an international reference classification of occupations.
Russia was invited to the India-ILO study; possibility of a Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and Russia was explored.
India offered to share DPI experience with Indonesia and Iran to strengthen labour and employment services.
India received the ISSA Award in 2025 for expanding social security coverage; coverage crossed 1 billion in 2026.
BRICS Connect was highlighted as a platform for practical cooperation and exchange of best practices.
Prelims pointers
- 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting: Hyderabad, 2026
- India's BRICS chairmanship: 2026
- e-Shram portal: national database of unorganized workers
- National Career Service (NCS) portal: online job matching platform
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
- International Social Security Association (ISSA)
- ISSA Award for social security coverage expansion (2025)
- Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and Russia (proposed)
- India-ILO feasibility study on international classification of occupations
- BRICS Connect: platform for South-South cooperation
Mains angles
- GS2: Bilateral/Regional Groupings – BRICS and its role in labour and employment cooperation
- GS2: Social Justice – Digital Public Infrastructure for social security and employment
- GS2: International Relations – India's bilateral engagements with BRICS nations and UAE
- GS3: Economy – Labour reforms, skill development, and workforce planning
- GS3: Science & Technology – Digital solutions for labour market administration