To showcase India’s growing economic strength on the global stage and the immense potential of the MSME sector, a grand two-day meeting of the BRICS MSME Forum and the Third BRICS MSME Working Group was held on the opening day of ‘BRICS-India 2026’ in the Taj city of Agra on Friday.
Held at the Taj and Convention Centre in Tajganj, the Uttar Pradesh government prominently showcased the remarkable achievements of its MSME sector and its global trade strategies before the international community.
Addressing the BRICS gathering, Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and District In-charge Minister, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as the MSME capital of India.
More than 9.6 million MSME units are currently operating in the state, providing employment to approximately 16.5 million people. The Yogi government views MSMEs not merely as a source of employment but as the most powerful engine driving the state’s economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Minister Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary stated that Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides in trade, technology, and investment with BRICS countries. According to data for the financial year 2025–26, Uttar Pradesh’s total exports to BRICS member and partner countries exceeded US$5.36 billion including approximately US$3.94 billion to member countries and US$1.43 billion to partner countries. Machinery, apparel, leather goods, carpets, and precious stones from the state are exported to markets across the world.
Uttar Pradesh’s flagship ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) scheme has played a transformative role in connecting local talent and traditional crafts with global markets. Chaudhary said that under the ODOP programme, more than 316,000 jobs have been created through the disbursement of margin money amounting to nearly ₹897 crore to over 20,000 beneficiaries.
In addition, the ‘Vishwakarma Shramik Samman Yojana’ has empowered more than 441,000 traditional artisans through the provision of modern toolkits and skill training.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also launched innovative initiatives such as the ‘Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’ (CM YUVA) to promote self-employment among the youth.
Under the scheme, interest-free, collateral-free loans are being provided, with the goal of creating one million new micro-entrepreneurs over the next ten years. Furthermore, under the PLEDGE scheme for the development of MSME parks, parks have been approved in 12 districts, creating a stronger industrial ecosystem across the state.
The meeting was formally inaugurated in the presence of Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. He highlighted the growth trajectory of India’s MSME sector and outlined future plans for its expansion.
On the second day of the programme, delegates from BRICS countries will visit Agra’s historic monuments and experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.