BRICS Expert Council-Russia Participates in the Inaugural Convening of the BRICS Academic Forum
On April 17–18, 2026, the Inaugural Convening of the BRICS Academic Forum was held in New Delhi, bringing together representatives of the BRICS Russia Expert Council. The event was organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with RIS and convened government officials, academics, and representatives of research institutions from BRICS countries.
The meeting focused on the evolving role of BRICS in shaping the international order, advancing economic cooperation, and developing joint responses to global challenges. Discussions were held within the framework of India’s BRICS Chairship priorities: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
Among the speakers was Vladimir Zuev, Head of the Department of Trade Policy at the Institute of Trade Policy, HSE University. In his presentation, he emphasized that regional trade agreements (RTAs) have become a key instrument of states’ foreign economic policy over recent decades. At the same time, despite the growing importance of BRICS as a platform for economic cooperation, the establishment of a comprehensive free trade agreement within the grouping is not currently on the agenda.
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Today, BRICS faces an institutional paradox: despite the grouping’s growing economic weight, it lacks a unified trade mechanism. Under these circumstances, the most realistic and effective solution is the gradual development of a network of bilateral free trade agreements among BRICS countries.
Vladimir Zuev
Head, Department of Trade Policy under the Institute of Trade Policy, HSE University
As a practical approach, he proposed the gradual expansion of a network of bilateral free trade agreements among BRICS members. Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union are already actively pursuing this strategy by broadening their network of agreements with several BRICS countries. According to the expert, further development of such a network could lay the foundation for a more liberalized trade regime within BRICS and enhance member states’ resilience to global economic challenges.
Oksana Sinyavskaya, Deputy Director of the Institute for Social Policy at HSE University, delivered a presentation on social resilience in BRICS countries. She stressed that amid geopolitical instability and global shocks, the social agenda is becoming increasingly important. Particular attention was devoted to food security risks, inequality, and limited access to quality employment.
The presentation highlighted that, despite progress in reducing extreme poverty, BRICS countries continue to face the challenge of improving job quality and strengthening social protection systems. Special emphasis was placed on the rapid growth of platform-based employment, which expands labor market opportunities while requiring adaptation of labor and social legislation.
The expert also underscored the dual nature of digitalization in social policy:
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The digitalization of the social sphere creates new opportunities to improve the targeting of social support, but it also requires systematic efforts to reduce digital inequality and adapt institutions to new forms of employment.
Oksana Sinyavskaya
Deputy Director, Institute for Social Policy, HSE University
In this regard, narrowing the digital divide and ensuring access to social services for vulnerable population groups remain key priorities.
Following the discussions, participants highlighted the significant potential of BRICS as a platform for deepening cooperation not only in the economic sphere but also in social policy. The exchange of best practices, development of joint initiatives, and formulation of coordinated approaches can strengthen the resilience of the grouping and enhance its role in the global governance architecture.
The participation of representatives of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia demonstrated the relevance and demand for Russian expertise in shaping the BRICS agenda and advancing practical mechanisms of cooperation among member countries.