Indore

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said the strong youth population across BRICS countries provides a unique opportunity to influence the future of global employment and innovation, noting that young people are already emerging as catalysts of change in member nations.

Addressing the inaugural session of the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting through video conferencing, the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports said the grouping represents nearly half of the world’s population, with a large share comprising young people.

“Many BRICS nations have over 50 per cent of their population below the age of 35. In India, around 65 per cent of citizens are under 35 years. This demographic advantage gives BRICS countries the ability to shape the future of work,” Mandaviya said.

He added that young entrepreneurs across BRICS nations are contributing significantly to transformation and innovation in their respective economies.

The BRICS bloc currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

Mandaviya said India has made major strides in creating employment and strengthening its startup ecosystem under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, driven by initiatives focused on skill development, digital inclusion and entrepreneurship-led growth.

Officials said one of the major sessions during the meeting focused on “From Local Innovation to Global Impact: BRICS Cooperation for a Youth-Led Startup Ecosystem”, where participating countries shared experiences and best practices related to entrepreneurship and innovation.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, speaking during the session, said cooperation among BRICS nations can help local innovations achieve wider global impact.

She highlighted the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem beyond metropolitan centres, noting that entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are increasingly building successful ventures, reflecting the country’s push for inclusive and youth-driven innovation.

Earlier, Khadse told reporters that several policy measures introduced over the last decade have encouraged startups and innovation-focused enterprises across India.

“Currently, India has more than two lakh startups, and their presence is now expanding rapidly into smaller cities and towns as well,” she said.

The two-day meeting in Indore also featured panel discussions on technology-led entrepreneurship, digital innovation, inclusive business models, green entrepreneurship and climate-focused enterprises, officials added.

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Discussions explored opportunities for young entrepreneurs in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, agritech, sustainability and clean energy, while emphasising the need for inclusive and community-oriented growth models.