India is pursuing expanded health-sector cooperation with BRICS member states after a BRICS health ministers’ meeting endorsed a roadmap that could open a generic drug market about 3.5 times larger than the US.
Zimbabwe said it joined the New Development Bank to access long-term financing for industrial projects, marking a step toward deeper integration with BRICS.
The 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting concluded in Chandigarh under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, with member countries adopting a ministerial declaration and launching several health cooperation initiatives.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged closer coordination with India to strengthen BRICS, promote multipolarity, and protect developing-country interests during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Manila.
A special international affairs advisor will accompany the tourism minister to the BRICS Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur in August 2026.
India hosted the BRICS Network University International Governing Board meeting, where members advanced academic cooperation, traditional knowledge initiatives, and institutional planning.
India said it has added two new agenda items to the 16th BRICS Health Ministerial Meeting: promotion of mental wellness and a BRICS Mission on Healthy Lifestyles.
The Women Empowerment Vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry unveiled a whitepaper presenting a strategic roadmap to expand women’s participation in science, technology, innovation, and business across BRICS member economies.
Dilma Rousseff, president of the BRICS New Development Bank, said in Shanghai that she would like Argentina to seek re-entry into the bloc and outlined AI’s role in development.
