Full Breakdown
BRICS Summit 2026: New Delhi Declaration Sets Up Research Repository, Youth Startup Platform and University Ranking Initiative
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Launch of the New Delhi Declaration
On Saturday, September 12, BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the opening of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Under India’s 2026 chairmanship, the declaration announced three flagship education-science initiatives:
- BRICS Science and Research Repository (BSRR) – a digital platform to map and share research outputs, datasets and expertise across the eleven member economies.
- BRICS Youth Startup Platform (BYSP) – a virtual hub to facilitate dialogue, networking and financing for youth-led startups, linked to the proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund.
- Exploration of a BRICS University Global Ranking and Evaluation System, with a specialised workshop scheduled for September-December 2026.
These measures are part of a 2026-2030 action plan to strengthen research infrastructure, megascience projects and cross-border academic cooperation.
Background & Context – BRICS at Its 20-Year Milestone
The declaration emphasizes institutional continuity, sustainable development and deeper people-to-people ties as the bloc marks two decades of cooperation.
Key Initiatives – Research Repository, Youth Startup Platform, University Ranking
| Initiative | Purpose | Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| BSRR | Centralise and share research outputs, datasets and infrastructure. | Supports the 2026-2030 megascience plan. |
| BYSP | Provide a virtual space for dialogue, networking and financing of youth-led startups. | Linked to the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. |
| University Ranking | Develop a ranking system reflecting the diverse higher-education models of BRICS countries. | Workshop runs Sep-Dec 2026; aims to guide academic collaboration. |
Data & Statistics – BRICS Economic Weight and Timelines
- Population & GDP – BRICS economies together account for roughly 50 % of the world’s population and about 40 % of global GDP.
- Growth Pace – Their combined GDP has grown around 4.5 times over the past two decades, versus about 2.5 times for the global economy.
- Implementation Schedule – The university-ranking workshop will occur September-December 2026; the broader research-infrastructure plan runs 2026-2030.
Official Statements & Responses – Government and Leader Positions
Prime Minister Modi proposed a “Troika” continuity mechanism—linking the outgoing, incumbent and incoming BRICS chairs—to preserve momentum despite the annual rotation of the presidency. He also called for a secure digital repository to track implementation of initiatives such as the BSRR, BYSP and the university ranking.
The declaration highlighted cooperation on artificial intelligence, emphasizing “safe, ethical and human-centred” use in education, and urged inclusion of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge systems in the BRICS Network University. Support for the BRICS Technical and Vocational Education and Training Cooperation Alliance (BRICS-TCA) was reaffirmed, with a pledge to align training programmes with market demands.
Verbatim Quote
- “We need to work on a new and ambitious agenda for the next 20 years… I propose the establishment of a BRICS continuity and implementation mechanism,” — PM Modi
What’s Next – Upcoming Workshops and Implementation Mechanisms
- University Ranking Workshop – Experts will convene Sep-Dec 2026 to design the ranking framework.
- Troika & Digital Repository – The continuity mechanism and secure repository are slated for rollout during the current chairmanship, with protocols expected before the next summit.
- Youth Startup Support – BYSP will launch later in 2026, coordinated with the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to catalyse financing for early-stage ventures.
These steps aim to translate the New Delhi Declaration into concrete, trackable outcomes across research, education and entrepreneurship within the BRICS community.