Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar meets the minister of electricity and energy of the Republic of South Africa, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting, in Gurugram on Thursday.
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The 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ joint statement on Thursday reaffirmed energy security as the cornerstone of its cooperation and has emphasised on the need for diversified, resilient and transparent energy systems as well as supply chains.The Energy Ministers highlighted that access to secure, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is fundamental to economic development, job creation, industrialisation, and human dignity, said a government statement.They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in support of secure, affordable, sustainable and resilient energy systems and looked forward to continuing cooperation under the Chairship of the People’s Republic of China in 2027.The development assumes importance as the emphasis on energy security and supply chains comes amidst the latest conflict in West Asia involving one of the BRICS member country, Iran and the US, which is nearing 120 days.The US and Iran have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end the conflict. A 60-day sanctions reprieve by the US to Iran for selling crude oil and refined products followed the MoU signing.The Ministers also underscored importance of balanced and diversified energy mixes, promotion of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, and cooperation in areas such as new technologies in fossil fuels, renewable energy, biofuels, hydrogen, energy storage, critical minerals, carbon capture technologies, digitalisation and energy efficiency while reaffirming the importance of affordable financing.Recognising the role of research and youth engagement in shaping future energy systems, the Ministers supported the convening of the BRICS Youth Energy Summit during India’s Chairship and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration through the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform.The Ministers also appreciated India’s efforts in successfully hosting the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting and its leadership in advancing BRICS energy cooperation during its Presidency.Addressing the Ministerial Meeting, Power Minister Manohar Lal highlighted that energy remains fundamental to economic growth, social progress and human development.Developing countries require adequate time, resources and policy space to pursue sustainable development while meeting the legitimate aspirations of their people, he emphasised.Digital centreA major outcome of India’s Chairship was the launch of the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage under the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP).The Centre will serve as a voluntary collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, exchange of policy and regulatory best practices, and development of pilot initiatives among BRICS countries.smart gridsIn another significant milestone, the BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage were adopted recognising the growing importance of modern, resilient and digitally enabled power systems in supporting reliable and affordable energy access while facilitating the integration of renewable energy and emerging technologies.The Ministers also appreciated the ongoing efforts in finalization of the BRICS Joint Report on Hydrogen Value Chains 2026, which provides a foundation for enhanced cooperation on hydrogen technologies, standards, industrial applications and future value chains.The meeting further endorsed the updated Terms of Reference of the BRICS Energy Research Cooperation Platform (ERCP), strengthening the institutional framework for research, technical cooperation and knowledge exchange among BRICS countries.Published on June 25, 2026
