Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 12 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Saturday said it was a matter of "great pride" for India that the country is holding the BRICS presidency amid the current global climate, stressing the need to further strengthen the grouping and India's relations with its member nations.
Speaking to ANI at the BRICS Summit 2026, Singh said, "It is a matter of great pride for India that, in the current global climate, India is holding the presidency of BRICS; being a member of BRICS is a source of immense pride for our country. This is not merely a matter of ideology; it is deeply linked to our national issues and interests. Even when Congress-led governments were in power, the party maintained a consistent stance that we must strengthen this grouping."
Singh further said, "We need to further strengthen our relationships with the major nations involved—such as Brazil, China, Russia, and South Africa—as well as with the other countries that are part of this alliance..."
Highlighting India's strategic importance, he said, "Our influence and capabilities—whether in terms of military training or our strategic relevance in the Indian Ocean—are immense, particularly because a vast portion of global trade passes through these waters. Therefore, further strengthening our position in this regard is crucial for the future..."
Singh said that India's engagement with BRICS should also be viewed in the context of its wider national and strategic interests, particularly given the country's geographical position and role in regional and global affairs.
On oil and the US embargo affecting purchases from Russia, Singh said, "Oil is a critical factor that drives our country's economy and energy sector. There is also the issue of the embargo imposed by the US, which restricts us from purchasing oil from certain nations—specifically Russia. The Government of India needs to give serious consideration to this matter as well..."
Singh also underscored that heavy construction activities across both sides of the frontier are altering the fragile terrain and triggering widespread ecological disruption.
"There is absolutely no doubt that regarding the states bordering China—be it Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or the Northeastern states—as well as Nepal (which has recently witnessed a massive tragedy), the landscape is constantly changing. Massive construction, including hydroelectric projects, is underway—whether on this side of the border or the other and is causing destruction on a massive scale. I believe a dialogue on this matter is essential because this issue concerns not just one country but the entire region—specifically the Himalayan belt—and China is a dominant player here. Therefore, I feel we should engage in talks with them regarding these subjects—including how to handle emergencies," Singh said.
Singh's remarks came as India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders of the grouping's member countries for discussions on global cooperation, development, sustainability, economic issues and the interests of the Global South.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. India's Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation forming key areas of focus.
The grouping currently comprises 11 countries -- Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. (ANI)
“Great pride for India”: Himachal Minister Vikramaditya Singh on India holding BRICS presidency
