India to Host BRICS Statistical Chiefs' Meeting in Lucknow

India is hosting the BRICS Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices in Lucknow on August 3–4 to strengthen cooperation in official statistics, improve data quality, and promote innovation in evidence-based policymaking.

India will host the Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of BRICS member countries in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from August 3 to 4, under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The high-level gathering will bring together senior statistical officials from BRICS nations to strengthen cooperation in official statistics, promote innovation in data systems, and enhance the quality and accessibility of statistical information. The meeting forms part of India's broader agenda to deepen collaboration among BRICS countries under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

The conference will focus on the theme "Quality Statistics as a Catalyst for Transformation," highlighting the growing role of reliable, timely, and transparent data in evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development. Delegates will deliberate on ways to improve statistical methodologies, strengthen national statistical systems, enhance data dissemination practices, and promote greater harmonisation of statistical standards across BRICS member nations.

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Statistical cooperation has become an increasingly important pillar of BRICS engagement, evolving from basic data exchange to collaboration on modern statistical frameworks, innovation, and digital transformation. The annual Statistics Track comprises two key events the Technical Meeting of National Statistical Offices and the Meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices which serve as platforms for sharing best practices, discussing emerging challenges, and fostering institutional cooperation among member countries.

The Lucknow meeting is expected to explore strategies for improving macroeconomic and sectoral statistics, strengthening data quality, expanding public access to official statistics, and leveraging digital technologies for efficient data collection and dissemination. Participants will also discuss the growing importance of statistical innovation in addressing evolving policy challenges, supporting economic planning, and monitoring progress towards sustainable development goals.

India has placed significant emphasis on strengthening multilateral cooperation during its BRICS Chairship in 2026. The Statistics Track aligns with the country's broader vision of building resilient institutions through innovation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. By promoting high-quality statistical systems, India aims to support informed decision-making, improve governance, and enhance the effectiveness of development policies across BRICS countries.

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The meeting also reflects the increasing importance of official statistics in an era of rapid digital transformation, climate change, public health challenges, and evolving global economic conditions. Reliable statistical systems enable governments to formulate effective public policies, monitor socio-economic progress, and respond more efficiently to emerging risks. Strengthening collaboration among BRICS statistical agencies is expected to improve the comparability, consistency, and credibility of official data across member countries.

As India continues to lead several ministerial and technical engagements during its BRICS Chairship, the Lucknow meeting reinforces the country's commitment to advancing data-driven governance and international cooperation. The deliberations are expected to contribute to stronger statistical partnerships, encourage innovation in official statistics, and support the development of robust data ecosystems that can address the evolving needs of policymakers and citizens across the BRICS bloc.