In April,2025, 11th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Labour and Employment Ministers’ meeting was held under the slogan “Strengthening the Cooperation of the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”under Brazil’s presidency in Brasilia, Brazil.
- The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Union Minister of State(MoS) Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E).
Key Discussions by India:
i.During the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ meeting 2025, Union MoS Sushri Karandlaje highlighted India’s human-centric approach to technological transformation, aligning with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s vision of “Technology for Empowerment, Not Exclusion”.
ii.She highlighted India’s National Strategy for AI, which prioritizes ethical adoption, workforce upskilling and sectoral applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education.
- Initiatives such as, FutureSkills Prime and the Namo Drone Didi program stand out as an example of India’s commitment towards creating tech-enabled livelihoods, especially for women and youth.
- The AI powered National Career Service (NCS) platform was showcased as a model for bridging skill gaps and connecting millions to employment opportunities.
iii.On Climate Action, India emphasized its just transition framework, ensuring green growth translates into equitable job creation.
- The Sector Skill Council for Green Jobs (SSCGJ) and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) were quoted as transformative initiatives, driving skilling and sustainable practices.
iv.India’s achievement of reduction in Green House Gases emissions (2000-2019) and its net-zero by 2070 pledge, reinforced its climate leadership.
- The collaborative efforts with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to protect workers’ rights during this transition was also emphasized.
Key Outcomes of the BRICS Declaration:
i.During the meeting, a forward-looking declaration was adopted, focusing on two key themes: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Work” and “The Impacts of Climate Change on the World of Work and a Just Transition”.
ii.The declaration commits BRICS nations to:
- Promote Inclusive AI policies that balance innovation with worker protection
- Advance social dialogue to ensure fair climate transitions.
- Strengthen south-south cooperation on labour governance, digital inclusion and green job creation.
Note:India’s contributions were commended for aligning cutting-edge technological advancement with inclusive social welfare.
About BRICS:
The grouping was formed in September 2006 and it originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). It was renamed as BRICS after South Africa was accepted as a full member in September 2010.
- Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran and the United Arab Emirates(UAE)are added as a member country of BRICS in 2023 at the 15th BRICS Summit.
About Brazil:
President – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Capital – Brasilia
Currency – Brazilian Real (BRL)
