Mansukh Mandaviya Opens 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit in Hyderabad

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: The 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum (TUF) Summit, which commenced in Hyderabad, marks a significant gathering of representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, collectively known as BRICS. This summit, inaugurated by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, serves as a platform for discussing crucial issues related to labor rights, social security, and the future of work in the context of a rapidly evolving global economy.

During his opening address, Mandaviya underscored the necessity for a worker-centric global order. He articulated a vision where technological advancements are not merely driven by profit motives but are instead aligned with principles of social justice, responsible innovation, and the dignity of human labor. This perspective is particularly relevant as economies worldwide grapple with the implications of automation and digital transformation on employment and job security.

In his remarks, Mandaviya highlighted the overarching theme of India's BRICS Presidency: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." This theme reflects India's commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable future of work, emphasizing that the welfare of workers should be at the forefront of economic policies and reforms. As countries navigate the complexities of globalization, this approach aims to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of workers' rights and livelihoods.

Central to Mandaviya's address was India's recent labor reforms, which have consolidated 29 existing labor laws into four comprehensive Labour Codes. These reforms aim to simplify the regulatory framework governing labor relations while enhancing protections for workers. Key provisions include the establishment of universal minimum wages, the issuance of appointment letters to workers, and improved standards for occupational safety and health. Additionally, the reforms recognize the rights of gig and platform workers, who are increasingly prevalent in today's economy.

India's efforts to modernize labor governance through digital public infrastructure were also a focal point of the minister's speech. The e-Shram portal, which has registered over 317 million unorganized workers, exemplifies this modernization. By providing these workers with access to welfare schemes, the portal aims to bridge the gap between informal employment and social security. Furthermore, the National Career Service Portal connects job seekers with employers and training providers, facilitating a more efficient labor market.

Mandaviya elaborated on India's social security framework, emphasizing the scale and significance of institutions like the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The EPFO, with over 80 million active members and eight million pensioners, stands as one of the largest social security organizations globally. The ESIC provides healthcare and social security benefits to over 150 million insured individuals and their dependents. Ongoing reforms aim to enhance coverage, simplify processes, and improve service delivery, reflecting a commitment to expanding social protection in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Recent statistics indicate a significant increase in social protection coverage in India, rising from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025, with projections suggesting that nearly one billion citizens may benefit from these measures by 2026. This expansion is crucial in a country where a substantial portion of the workforce is engaged in informal employment, often lacking access to basic social security and protections.

On the topic of employment generation, Mandaviya noted that approximately 170 million job opportunities have been created in India over the past decade. He highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to generate 35 million formal sector jobs in the next two years through employment-linked incentives. This initiative underscores the government's focus on formalizing the labor market and enhancing job security for workers.

In his address, Mandaviya emphasized the importance of collaborative policymaking in labor governance. He noted that India's framework is built on tripartite dialogue involving the government, employers, and trade unions. This participative approach is reflected in the operations of institutions like the EPFO and ESIC, which engage with various stakeholders to ensure that labor policies are inclusive and responsive to the needs of workers.

The minister stressed the potential for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations, which collectively represent nearly half of the world's population and a significant portion of its labor force. He pointed out that there is substantial scope for collaboration in areas such as social security, labor mobility, skill development, and the governance of artificial intelligence. The discussions and recommendations emerging from the summit are expected to inform the upcoming BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting, contributing to a shared agenda for improving labor conditions across member states.

Earlier in the summit, Sunkari Mallesham, Chairman of the BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit and National President of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), articulated the summit's goals, which include strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations to advance workers' welfare and promote inclusive development. B. Surendran, Organising Secretary of BMS and Chief Coordinator of the BRICS Trade Union Forum, welcomed the delegates, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions ahead.

The three-day summit, organized by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, has convened over 50 international delegates alongside approximately 70 representatives from Indian trade unions, labor experts, and academicians. The agenda for the summit includes critical discussions on universal social security and the portability of benefits, human-centric technology and responsible AI, skill development for the future of work, and the role of women in the evolving labor landscape.

This summit not only highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the labor market in BRICS nations but also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and innovative solutions to common problems. As the world continues to face unprecedented changes due to technological advancement and globalization, forums like the BRICS Trade Union Forum are essential in advocating for the rights and welfare of workers, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a new economic paradigm.