BRICS MSME Forum in Agra Sees Uttar Pradesh Tout $5.36 Billion in Exports to BRICS Countries

Overview

• The three-day BRICS MSME Forum opened in Agra on June 19 with about 60 delegates from BRICS nations and roughly 150 MSME officials attending to discuss cooperation on small business growth.
• Uttar Pradesh told delegates that its exports to BRICS members and partner countries crossed USD 5.36 billion in FY2025–26, with USD 3.938 billion to BRICS members and USD 1.429 billion to partner nations.
• The state said its MSME network includes about 96 lakh units employing 1.65 crore people and presented those figures as evidence that stronger trade ties could scale jobs and production.
• Local programmes were highlighted as tools to link artisans and makers to export markets, with ODOP reported to have given margin-money support to over 20,000 people and Vishwakarma Shram Samman supplying toolkits and training to more than 4.41 lakh artisans.
• Delegates will carry out cultural and factory visits, such as to the Taj Mahal and a footwear unit, to study export-oriented craft supply chains and officials suggested deeper BRICS ties could widen market access and boost inclusive employment.