The 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting was held successfully in Hyderabad under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting brought together Labour and Employment Ministers, Heads of Delegation from BRICS countries, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organisations, and knowledge partners to deliberate on key labour, employment and social security issues shaping the future of work.

The Meeting was followed by bilateral meetings undertaken by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya with counterparts from Indonesia, Iran, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

The leaders deliberated on harnessing digital solutions to make labour markets more inclusive and efficient. India highlighted India's e-Shram and National Career Service (NCS) portals as pioneering DPIs driving social protection, employment services and international labour mobility.Discussions also focused on strengthening south-south cooperation through BRICS CONNECT to foster collaboration in skilling, workforce planning and digital innovation.

• Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar (Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, UAE): Discussions focused on strengthening labour mobility and India's progress in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and possibility of further collaboration in this area. UAE was also invited to be part of the ongoing India-ILO feasibility study for development of  International Reference Classification of Occupations. The importance of collaborative efforts in developing a globally relevant occupational classification framework was highlighted.

• Mr Anton Kotyakov (Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Russia): Discussions centred on enhancing India–Russia engagement in employment and social protection through greater policy dialogue, cooperation in skill development, and sharing of digital solutions for labour market governance. Russia was invited to participate in the India-ILO feasibility study for development of International Reference Classification of Occupations. It was further stated that the possibility of signing of the Social Security Agreement (SSA) between the two countries may also be explored.

• Mr. Yassierli (Minister of Manpower, Indonesia): The meeting focused on expanding India–Indonesia cooperation in the areas of employment, workforce development, and digital public infrastructure. India offered to share its experience in developing Digital Public Goods and expressed its willingness to collaborate with Indonesia in leveraging digital technologies to strengthen labour and employment services.

• Mr. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Meidari (Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, Iran): The meeting reviewed opportunities to deepen India–Iran cooperation in the fields of employment, labour administration, and digital transformation. India shared its experience in the development of Digital Public Infrastructure and conveyed its readiness to collaborate with Iran for increasing the adoption of technology-driven solutions to strengthen labour and employment services.

• Dr. Mohammed Azman (International Social Security Association): Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between India and the ISSA in advancing social security systems and promoting the exchange of global best practices. The Hon'ble Minister acknowledged the ISSA Award conferred on India in recognition of its outstanding achievements in expanding social security coverage in 2025. It was also highlighted that India's social security coverage has now crossed one billion (1,000 million) people in 2026, reflecting the Government's sustained commitment to universal and inclusive social protection.

Overall, the bilateral meetings and engagements further emphasised the broad support for BRICS CONNECT as a platform for advancing practical cooperation, exchange of best practices, and the development of inclusive, resilient, and future-ready labour markets

In the bilateral meetings  held by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, the following points emerged-

• H.E. Mr. Francisco Macena da Silva (Vice Minister of Labour and Employment, Federative Republic of Brazil): Discussions focused on further strengthening the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership through cooperation in skills development, digital employment services, labour market information systems, and social protection. Brazil's participation in the ongoing feasibility study for the International Reference Classification of Occupations was appreciated, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing BRICS CONNECT through knowledge sharing and capacity building.

 

• H.E. Mr. Yu Jiadong (Vice Minister, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, China): Discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in future skills, digital employment services, labour market governance, and social protection. India's initiatives to promote women's workforce participation and strengthen digital public infrastructure for labour governance were acknowledged. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing BRICS CONNECT and fostering inclusive and future-ready labour markets.

The successful adoption of the Declaration and the launch of BRICS Connect mark a significant step forward in strengthening BRICS cooperation in the field of labour and employment. The Meeting concluded with a shared resolve to continue working collectively toward a world of work that promotes social justice, decent employment, innovation, resilience, and inclusive development for all.

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Rini Choudhury/Anjelina Alexander

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