Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi on 20 June 2026 called for a robust BRICS-wide framework to transform MSMEs into engines of innovation, exports, and employment, speaking at the inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 held in Agra. The forum brought together government representatives, policymakers, industry leaders, and private-sector stakeholders from BRICS Member and Partner Countries.

Key Developments at the Forum

The BRICS MSME Forum 2026 followed the third BRICS SME Working Group Meeting, marking a significant step in advancing economic cooperation among BRICS nations with a dedicated focus on small and medium enterprises. The event centred on strengthening MSME ecosystems, fostering sustainability, and enhancing global competitiveness across member economies.

Minister Manjhi underscored that challenges facing enterprises today — from financing gaps and technology adoption to sustainability and market access — demand collaborative, multilateral solutions. 'BRICS countries possess immense strengths and complementary capabilities. Through continued dialogue and cooperation, we can build a robust framework that empowers MSMEs to become drivers of innovation, exports and employment,' he said at the forum.

Uttar Pradesh's MSME Push

Bhupendra Chaudhary, State Minister for MSME, highlighted that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India's fastest-growing economic regions, with MSMEs playing a transformative role in employment generation and grassroots development. 'Our focus remains on creating an enabling ecosystem through infrastructure development, policy support, skill enhancement and digital empowerment. The exchange of global best practices through platforms such as the BRICS MSME Forum will further strengthen these efforts,' Chaudhary said.

What the Government Said

Bharat Khera, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, positioned small businesses as far more than economic units. 'MSMEs are not merely economic units; they are engines of innovation, employment, entrepreneurship and regional development,' he noted. Khera pointed to significant collaboration potential across technology adoption, sustainable manufacturing, digital transformation, skilling, and market access as BRICS economies expand their global influence.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger economic partnerships and facilitating knowledge-sharing among BRICS member countries — a signal that New Delhi views the BRICS MSME platform as a strategic channel for trade and investment linkages beyond bilateral agreements.

Why It Matters

MSMEs account for a substantial share of India's employment and export earnings, making their global competitiveness a direct lever for inclusive growth. This comes amid a broader push by the Centre to integrate Indian small businesses into global value chains. Notably, the BRICS grouping now includes Partner Countries, widening the potential market and collaboration base for Indian MSMEs beyond the original five-nation bloc. The forum's emphasis on digital transformation and sustainable manufacturing aligns with India's domestic policy priorities under schemes targeting MSME formalisation and technology upgradation.

What Comes Next

Deliberations from the forum are expected to feed into BRICS-level policy recommendations on MSME financing, digital infrastructure, and cross-border market access. Industry stakeholders and policymakers will look for concrete follow-through mechanisms — including bilateral agreements and joint programmes — to translate forum commitments into measurable outcomes for small businesses across member nations.