Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, called on cities across BRICS nations to actively exchange advanced technology, knowledge and experiences to build citizen-centric, sustainable urban centres for the 21st century. Shinde made the appeal while speaking as Chief Guest at the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026, held in Mumbai.

Key Developments at the Conclave

The conclave brought together representatives of cities from BRICS member countries, Mayors, urban planning experts and senior figures from the field of urban development. Deputy CM Shinde framed the event as an opportunity to redefine international urban partnerships through the pillars of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

'Cities are not merely structures of brick and concrete; they are the growth engines of a country's economic progress,' Shinde said, echoing a theme that has gained traction in India's urbanisation policy discourse. He stressed that solutions to shared urban challenges must be sought beyond national boundaries.

What Shinde Said on Urbanisation

Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Shinde argued that urbanisation must be treated not as a problem but as a major opportunity. He identified a cluster of common challenges confronting cities worldwide — rapid population growth, climate change, floods, heatwaves, traffic congestion, pollution, water management and the shortage of affordable housing — and said that cross-border cooperation was essential to address them.

'Ease of commuting for citizens, access to safe housing, clean air, better opportunities for children and firm administrative support during disasters are the true parameters of successful urban planning,' he said, setting out what he described as the real metrics of inclusive development.

Maharashtra's Urban Development Push

Shinde highlighted the state government's ongoing efforts across Maharashtra's major cities. From Mumbai to Nagpur, Pune to Nashik, and in cities including Thane and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, he said fresh momentum was being given to metro rail projects, roads, drainage, redevelopment, affordable housing, digital services, green infrastructure and disaster management.

He added that Maharashtra is pursuing sustainable urban development, strong infrastructure, digital governance and climate-responsive planning as integrated goals rather than isolated targets.

Climate Risk and Coastal Cities

Shinde drew particular attention to the climate vulnerability of coastal cities like Mumbai, noting that rising sea levels, flood risks and increasing temperatures threaten both citizen safety and economic stability. The state government is reportedly taking concrete steps in flood control, coastal protection, expansion of green cover, rainwater management, sustainable transport and technology-driven urban planning, he said.

Describing Mumbai as 'the capital of India's aspirations' — a city that values hard work, diversity and resilience — Shinde said hosting the BRICS conclave in such a global city was a matter of pride for Maharashtra.

The Road Ahead for BRICS Urban Cooperation

Shinde called on cities from BRICS nations to treat themselves as 'laboratories of innovation and engines of sustainable development,' and urged broader scope for international cooperation in urban development. He emphasised that true development must reach the last person in society and create opportunities for future generations — a benchmark, he argued, that goes well beyond skylines and tall buildings. The conclave is expected to produce a framework for ongoing city-to-city knowledge exchange among BRICS members.