Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Holds Bilateral Meetings with BRICS Counterparts; Calls for Stronger Cooperation on Labour, Skills and Digital Public Infrastructure

The 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting was held successfully in Hyderabad under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting brought together Labour and Employment Ministers, Heads of Delegation from BRICS countries, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organisations, and knowledge partners to deliberate on key labour, employment and social security issues shaping the future of work.

The Meeting was followed by bilateral meetings undertaken by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya with counterparts from Indonesia, Iran, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

The leaders deliberated on harnessing digital solutions to make labour markets more inclusive and efficient. India highlighted India's e-Shram and National Career Service (NCS) portals as pioneering DPIs driving social protection, employment services and international labour mobility.Discussions also focused on strengthening south-south cooperation through BRICS CONNECT to foster collaboration in skilling, workforce planning and digital innovation.

• Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar (Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, UAE): Discussions focused on strengthening labour mobility and India's progress in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and possibility of further collaboration in this area. UAE was also invited to be part of the ongoing India-ILO feasibility study for development of  International Reference Classification of Occupations. The importance of collaborative efforts in developing a globally relevant occupational classification framework was highlighted.
• Mr Anton Kotyakov (Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Russia): Discussions centred on enhancing India–Russia engagement in employment and social protection through greater policy dialogue, cooperation in skill development, and sharing of digital solutions for labour market governance. Russia was invited to participate in the India-ILO feasibility study for development of International Reference Classification of Occupations. It was further stated that the possibility of signing of the Social Security Agreement (SSA) between the two countries may also be explored.
• Mr. Yassierli (Minister of Manpower, Indonesia): The meeting focused on expanding India–Indonesia cooperation in the areas of employment, workforce development, and digital public infrastructure. India offered to share its experience in developing Digital Public Goods and expressed its willingness to collaborate with Indonesia in leveraging digital technologies to strengthen labour and employment services.