New Delhi: The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum commenced in New Delhi on Thursday, June 11, 2026, under India’s BRICS Chairship. Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the two-day forum brings together ministers, senior government officials, and urban development experts from BRICS member countries and partner nations to discuss strategies for building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.
The event was formally inaugurated by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, who emphasized the growing importance of cities in shaping global development agendas. This year’s forum revolves around the theme “Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.”
Delegations from Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are participating in the forum, reflecting the expanding scope of BRICS cooperation in addressing urban challenges and opportunities.
India Showcases Urban Transformation Initiatives
During his inaugural address, Shri Manohar Lal highlighted the pillars of India’s urban development strategy, including inclusive urban growth, climate-resilient and disaster-resilient infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and digital innovation. He noted that the forum provides an important platform to integrate urban priorities into broader international development discussions.
A key highlight of the opening session was the release of “India’s Urban Transformation: Stories of Change,” a publication showcasing notable urban development practices and experiences from Indian states and Union Territories. The publication presents case studies aligned with the forum’s priority themes and demonstrates India’s evolving urban governance framework.
Platform for Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration
Welcoming international delegates, Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasized the forum’s role in fostering collaboration among member nations. He stated that the platform has consistently enabled countries to exchange best practices, deepen mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation in urban governance and planning.
The inaugural session was followed by a high-level plenary meeting, chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, where participating countries shared their urban development experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Discussions focused on common concerns such as rapid urbanization, housing, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and sustainable city management.
India-Russia Bilateral Talks on Sustainable Urban Development
On the sidelines of the forum, India and Russia held a bilateral meeting co-chaired by Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, and Mr. Yury Mutsenek, Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in sustainable urban development and accelerating the finalization of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The dialogue covered areas such as urban planning, affordable housing, municipal infrastructure, sustainable construction technologies, capacity building, and urban governance practices. Additional bilateral meetings were also held between Iran and Russia, Iran and China, and Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
Field Visit Highlights India’s Urban Development Journey
As part of the forum agenda, international delegates undertook a curated field visit to major urban development projects in and around New Delhi. The tour included visits to the New Parliament Complex and the India Gate–Kartavya Path precinct, offering participants a firsthand look at India’s recent urban transformation initiatives and public infrastructure investments.
The first day concluded with a cultural programme and networking dinner, fostering informal dialogue and strengthening relationships among participating nations.
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