The Ministry of MSME is hosting the First BRICS MSME Forum and Third SME Working Group Meeting in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on June 19, 2026, under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
This event marks the first dedicated BRICS platform focused entirely on small businesses and brings together representatives from BRICS nations and partner countries.
This isn’t just another government meeting. It marks the first time BRICS nations are coming together on a dedicated platform built purely for small businesses. And the guest list goes far beyond the usual five BRICS members.
Who’s Actually Showing Up?
The forum will bring together stakeholders from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and India.
The day-long programme will begin with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing MSME excellence. The exhibition will give entrepreneurs and enterprises an opportunity to present their products, capabilities and innovations before an international audience.
By hosting the event in Agra, India is positioning the city as a key platform for global cooperation among small businesses and emerging economies.
The Agenda Nobody’s Talking About
The day will begin with an exhibition showcasing MSME excellence and giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their products and innovations to an international audience.
The Third SME Working Group Meeting will then take place under the theme “Building MSME Ecosystem – Sustainable Roots to Global Routes.” Representatives from the private sector and industry associations across BRICS nations will discuss key challenges facing small businesses.
Key discussion areas include:
- Access to finance for MSMEs
- Better access to technology for MSMEs
- Growth of sustainability-focused MSMEs
These issues remain major challenges for small businesses in India and other emerging economies, making the discussions crucial for shaping future MSME policies and cooperation.
The Backstory Behind Today’s Headlines
The Agra meeting is only one chapter of a much bigger story. The journey actually began on April 24, 2026, when BRICS nations held their first virtual SME Working Group meeting focused on a challenge that continues to trouble small businesses — access to finance.
The discussions revolved around:
- Closing the MSME credit gap
- Improving financial literacy
- Expanding fintech-based lending
- Making trade payments faster and smoother
But the story doesn’t end with finance. The Ministry of MSME says, “India’s small business sector is far more diverse than many realise, stretching from rural artisans and traditional enterprises to advanced manufacturing and technology-driven firms.”
That line matters. It frames MSMEs not as small players, but as the backbone holding up India’s growth story.
Why This Matters Beyond Agra?
India currently holds the BRICS chairship for 2026. The Ministry of MSME is leading three SME Working Group meetings and the first-ever BRICS MSME Forum under the BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution.
But the bigger question still remains. Will the discussions in Agra on finance, technology and sustainability lead to real policy changes for small businesses? Or will the promises made at the forum end with the closing ceremony and group photographs?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the April 2026 and June 2026 BRICS SME meetings?
Ans. April was a narrow, virtual, finance-only discussion among officials. Agra is a full-scale, in-person Forum — broader in scope, wider in participation, and the first time BRICS small businesses get a dedicated global stage instead of a single working session.
2. Why did India choose Agra to host this historic forum?
Ans. India picked Agra to blend economic diplomacy with global heritage appeal. The city’s international recognition adds symbolic weight to the event.
3. Which countries are attending the BRICS MSME Forum besides the core BRICS nations?
Ans. Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa join India as core members. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, and Vietnam attend as partner nations.
4. What does “Access to Finance for MSME” actually mean for small business owners?
Ans. Small businesses often struggle to secure loans and fair credit terms. The forum pushes fintech-driven lending to close this gap.
5. Was this Agra forum planned suddenly, or has it been building up?
Ans. India started this process back in April 2026 with a virtual meeting. Today’s Agra forum completes the third phase of that journey.
