India convenes Inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 in Agra

📌 Summary:

• India (Ministry of MSME) convened the Inaugural BRICS MSME Forum 2026 in Agra
• It brought together government representatives, policymakers and private-sector stakeholders from BRICS member and partner countries
• MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi called for collective action on financing, technology adoption, sustainability and market access for MSMEs across BRICS nations
• MSME Secretary Bharat Khera described MSMEs as engines of innovation, employment, entrepreneurship and regional development
• The Forum followed the 3rd BRICS SME Working Group Meeting, with emphasis on sustainable manufacturing, digital transformation, skilling and global integration

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 IR (BRICS groupings and economic cooperation) and GS3 Economy (MSME-led growth and employment)

📝 Prelims Facts:

• BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, later expanded with new members and partner countries
• The Forum was held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• It operates under the BRICS SME Working Group framework

🔑 Key Term: MSME — Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, classified in India by investment and turnover criteria