On May 19, 2025, the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Energy Ministers’ Meeting 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” was held under Brazil’s presidency in Brasilia, Brazil.
- The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Power (MoP), and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Key Discussions by India:
i.During the BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reaffirmed India’s strong commitment towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future.
ii.He underscored energy security as a “pressing global challenge”, urging BRICS nations to collaborate for economic stability, sustainability, and equitable energy access.
iii.He highlighted India’s clean energy achievements:
Electricity Capacity: India achieved 475 Gigawatt (GW) in 2025, marking a 90% increase over the past decade, with a target of 900 GW by 2032.
Solar and Wind Energy: India has become the world’s third-largest producer of solar and wind energy.
Biofuels: Achieved a 20% ethanol blending milestone, boosting biofuel use and reducing emissions.
Infrastructure: Invested in smart grids, advanced metering, and the Green Energy Corridor for transmission expansion.
Green Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy: Ambitious targets include 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 and strong initiatives in green hydrogen development.
Carbon Market: Launch of a domestic Carbon Credit Market, inviting global participation and collaboration.
iv.He also highlighted India’s efforts in promoting energy efficiency through innovative programs such as:
- Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code
- Rooftop solar initiatives
- Efficient appliance standards
Role of Fossil Fuels and Cleaner Technologies:
i.During the meeting, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stressed the vital role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix, particularly for developing countries.
ii.He urged BRICS to adopt cleaner technologies like coal gasification, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and green chemicals.
Key Outcomes from 2025 BRICS Energy Ministerial Communiqué:
The BRICS Energy Ministers jointly adopted a communiqué emphasizing the following:
i.Commitment to SDG 7: Strong focus on achieving United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which includes universal access to electricity, clean cooking, and eliminating energy poverty.
ii.Balanced Energy Mix: Acknowledged fossil fuels’ role in developing nations but emphasized reducing emissions under Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
iii.Partnerships and Trade: Backed open, non-discriminatory energy markets and local currency usage in energy trade.
iv.Research and Cooperation: Recognition of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform and approval of the updated BRICS Roadmap for Energy Cooperation (2025–2030) to deepen collaboration.
v.Financing and Infrastructure: Called for concessional financing from developed nations and expanded New Development Bank (NDB) support for sustainable projects with local currency loans.
vi.Efficiency Goals: Reaffirmed target to double energy efficiency by 2030 through BRICS collaboration.
India’s Invitation to BRICS Nations
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar invited BRICS members to the 2026 BRICS Energy Gathering to be hosted by India, reinforcing the country’s leadership in advancing the Global South’s energy agenda.
About BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa):
i.BRICS was originally established as BRIC in September 2006, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
ii.The group was renamed BRICS in September 2010 after the inclusion of South Africa as the fifth member.
iii.During the 15th BRICS Summit held in 2023, four new countries, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), were added as full members.
iv.In January 2025, Indonesia joined BRICS as the 10th member, further expanding the group.
Note: India is set to hold the BRICS Chairmanship in the year 2026.
About Brazil:
President – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Capital – Brasilia
Currency – Brazilian Real (BRL)
