BRICS in Bengaluru: 11 Nations, 2 days, one space goal
Bengaluru: Bengaluru became the center of global space diplomacy as the two-day BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meet kicked off on Tuesday, June 23. As Chair of BRICS for 2026, India is hosting the HOSA 2026 meet. Heads and senior representatives of space agencies from all 11 BRICS member countries are attending — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The theme for this year is ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’. ISRO said the theme reflects India’s people-centric, humanity-first approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. ISRO stated that the meeting serves as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation on key issues shaping the future of the global space sector.
Space sustainability is a major focus area, with member agencies exchanging views on sustainable space operations and domestic governance frameworks to support debris-free space missions. Discussions are centered on policy approaches, regulatory frameworks, and best practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities. With space debris becoming a growing concern worldwide, BRICS nations are looking to align on governance standards.
During the meet, member agencies will deliberate on proposed amendments to the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation Agreement to include new members. The constellation already has two Indian satellites, Resourcesat-2 and 2A, as part of the data-sharing mechanism. The heads will also discuss the Terms of Reference for the proposed BRICS Space Council. The council aims to deepen cooperation and reduce technological asymmetries among member countries in space research, Earth observation, and satellite technology.
BRICS cooperation in space has grown over the last decade. From the BRICS satellite constellation for climate change and disaster management to proposals for a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium, the bloc is pushing for joint missions and data sharing. ISRO said the Bengaluru meet will strengthen multilateral cooperation among BRICS space agencies to address challenges faced by mankind, such as global climate change, major disasters, and environmental protection. The two-day conclave wraps up on June 24 with member nations expected to finalize action points for closer collaboration in the coming year.
