The 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting, chaired by India in Gurugram on 26 June 2025, culminated in the adoption of a Joint Communique and the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage — a landmark outcome of India's BRICS Presidency that advances the bloc's collective agenda on energy security, sustainability, and digital infrastructure.

Key Outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting

The centrepiece of India's Chairship was the formal launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence (DCOE) for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, established under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP). The Centre will function as a voluntary, collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, exchange of policy and regulatory best practices, and development of pilot initiatives among BRICS member countries.

In a parallel development, the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage were formally adopted, recognising the growing importance of modern, resilient, and digitally enabled power systems in ensuring reliable and affordable energy access while integrating renewable energy and emerging technologies.

What the Joint Communique Affirms

The Joint Communique adopted at the meeting reflects the collective vision and consensus of BRICS nations on strengthening cooperation across energy security, sustainability, innovation, resilient infrastructure, and capacity building. Ministers reaffirmed that energy security remains a cornerstone of BRICS cooperation and underscored the need for diversified, resilient, and transparent energy systems and supply chains.

The communique also endorsed the updated Terms of Reference of the BRICS ERCP, strengthening the institutional framework for research, technical cooperation, and knowledge exchange. Ministers further appreciated ongoing efforts toward finalising the BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains 2026, which is expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation on hydrogen technologies, standards, industrial applications, and future value chains.

India's Position and Union Power Minister's Address

Addressing the Ministerial Meeting, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal emphasised that energy remains fundamental to economic growth, social progress, and human development. He stressed that developing countries require adequate time, resources, and policy space to pursue sustainable development while meeting the legitimate aspirations of their people.

Lal underlined India's commitment to building resilient, future-ready, and people-centric energy systems guided by the principle of 'Energy for All.' He also reaffirmed the importance of respecting national circumstances, development priorities, and individual energy pathways — a position that reflects India's longstanding stance on energy transitions being differentiated rather than uniform.

Broader Energy Cooperation Agenda

Ministers highlighted the importance of balanced and diversified energy mixes, and called for promotion of cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. Cooperation areas identified include new technologies in fossil fuels, renewable energy, biofuels, hydrogen, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture, digitalisation, and energy efficiency — with affordable financing underscored as a prerequisite.

Recognising the role of research and youth engagement, the Ministers supported the convening of the BRICS Youth Energy Summit during India's Chairship and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration through the BRICS ERCP. The grouping also looked ahead to continuing cooperation under the Chairship of China in 2027.