BRICS cooperation should remain focused on human-centred development and ensure that people benefit from economic, social, cultural, scientific and technological progress, India’s Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar said in response to a question from TV BRICS.
Speaking about the future development of BRICS under India’s 2026 chairship and the most important areas of cooperation among its members, the Ambassador stressed that improving human well-being should remain at the heart of both domestic policymaking and international cooperation.
“It is important for us to focus on the very fundamental issue of humanity, human-centric development, and the measures and policy-making decisions for the domestic sector as well as international cooperation which enhances human well-being,” Kumar said.
He noted that India’s principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning that the whole world is one family, is reflected in the focus on human-centred development.
According to the Ambassador, the scale of BRICS makes this approach particularly significant, as the group’s countries account for nearly 49 per cent of the global population.
“The primary focus is the well-being of the people and economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technological growth so that our people reap the benefits of international cooperation in all these areas,” he said.
Kumar also highlighted development finance as an important component of BRICS cooperation. He described the New Development Bank as one of the group’s major achievements, noting its role in providing an additional source of financing for the development needs of Global South countries.
Looking ahead, the diplomat said BRICS would continue seeking areas of international cooperation capable of increasing shared prosperity.
The Ambassador also pointed to initiatives being advanced during India’s chairship that have practical relevance for agriculture, innovation and young people. He referred to an agricultural network as well as a start-up innovation fund designed to provide funding opportunities and create a platform for networking among young people from BRICS countries.
Kumar stressed that cooperation within BRICS should take into account the different historical experiences and levels of development of its members rather than follow a single universal model.