The BRICS Think Tank Network for Finance (BTTNF) will hold its second major meeting on August 25, 2026, as part of activities being organised under India’s BRICS Chairship. The meeting will bring together experts and researchers to deliberate on financial and economic issues relevant to BRICS countries.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in New Delhi at the India Habitat Centre, according to the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), which has listed the event for August 25. (RIS)

Focus on Financial Cooperation

The BTTNF provides a platform for financial research institutions, experts and policymakers from BRICS countries to exchange views on major issues affecting the global financial system. Its areas of work include regulatory frameworks, capital markets, digital finance, risk management and sustainable investment strategies. (BRICS Think Tanks Council)

The network is intended to support evidence-based policy discussions and collaborative research, with the broader objective of strengthening financial cooperation among BRICS economies.

India’s BRICS 2026 Priorities

The meeting comes as India advances its agenda as chair of BRICS 2026, with the official BRICS programme focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (BRICS 2026)

Financial cooperation has emerged as an important area within the BRICS framework. Previous BRICS discussions have highlighted the need to improve cross-border payments, expand local-currency financing, mobilise private capital and strengthen financial mechanisms for sustainable development.

The 2025 BRICS Rio de Janeiro Declaration also recognised the contribution of the Think Tank Network for Finance in promoting collaboration among academia, policymakers and researchers. (Press Information Bureau)

Debate on Global Finance

The August 25 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to examine challenges facing emerging and developing economies, including access to capital, investment mobilisation and financial stability.

The discussions assume significance at a time when BRICS members are exploring ways to deepen financial integration and improve mechanisms for trade and investment. BRICS countries have also been discussing cross-border payment systems and greater interoperability among national payment infrastructures.

For India, strengthening such cooperation is closely linked to its broader objective of giving developing economies a greater role in international economic and financial decision-making.

Private Capital and Investment

Mobilising private capital is another major issue within the BRICS financial agenda. Finance Ministers from BRICS countries have recently discussed the importance of creating stable and predictable frameworks capable of attracting sustained private investment.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had stressed earlier this month that BRICS economies need stronger frameworks to mobilise private capital at scale, while highlighting the role of multilateral development banks in reducing investment risks and improving project viability. (India Gazette)

The Think Tank Network can contribute to this process by bringing research institutions and financial experts into discussions on policy options and long-term economic strategies.

Building Research-Based Cooperation

The August 25 meeting is expected to strengthen the research and policy dimension of India’s BRICS Chairship. Rather than being limited to government-level discussions, the think tank mechanism provides space for experts to examine financial challenges and develop recommendations that can inform future cooperation.

As India prepares to host the BRICS Summit later this year, meetings such as the BTTNF conference are likely to form part of the wider programme of consultations leading up to the leaders’ summit.

The meeting will therefore be closely watched for discussions on financial cooperation, investment, digital finance and the evolving role of BRICS in the global economic system.

FATF vice-president Vivek Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer, will help steer global efforts against money laundering and terror financing.

 India has secured a significant position in the global financial governance framework with the election of senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal as vice-president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international body responsible for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other threats to the global financial system.

The appointment is being viewed as a diplomatic and institutional achievement for India, reflecting the country's growing influence in shaping international standards related to financial security and illicit financial flows.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the development as an important milestone that reinforces India's commitment to strengthening global cooperation against terrorism and terror financing.

Key Global Position

The FATF is regarded as the world's foremost watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing. It develops international standards and monitors compliance by countries across the globe.

As vice-president, Aggarwal will play a key role in supporting the organisation's leadership and contributing to policy discussions involving financial crime, illicit fund transfers and emerging global risks.

The position is considered one of the most influential within the FATF structure after the presidency.

Veteran IAS Officer

Vivek Aggarwal is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre and currently serves as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has held several important positions in both state and central governments. His experience covers public administration, economic governance, revenue management and financial oversight.

Before taking charge in the Culture Ministry, Aggarwal also served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, where he dealt with matters linked to taxation, financial regulation and economic policy.

Experience With FATF

Aggarwal is no stranger to the international financial watchdog.

He has previously represented India at FATF meetings and discussions, giving him direct experience in the organisation's functioning and policy framework.

He also served as the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), the agency responsible for receiving, analysing and disseminating information related to suspicious financial transactions.

During his tenure, he worked extensively on issues concerning economic offences, anti-money laundering measures, financial intelligence gathering and enforcement coordination.

India's Growing Influence

Government officials say the election reflects increasing international confidence in India's contribution to financial governance and counter-terrorism efforts.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the appointment underscores India's expanding role in shaping global responses to illicit financial activities. The ministry noted that India has consistently advocated stronger international mechanisms to curb terror financing networks and improve transparency within financial systems.

The development also comes at a time when global regulators are paying greater attention to digital payments, virtual assets and emerging technologies that can potentially be exploited for financial crimes.

Recognition Of Credibility

The Ministry of Culture described Aggarwal's election as recognition of India's growing credibility among the international community.

Officials said the country has emerged as an important voice in discussions involving financial inclusion, digital payment ecosystems and regulatory frameworks designed to prevent misuse of financial channels.

India's expanding role in international financial institutions has also been supported by its experience in implementing large-scale digital governance and payment infrastructure.

Focus On Financial Security

FATF recommendations serve as the benchmark for anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing regulations adopted by countries worldwide. The organisation's assessments often influence investment decisions, banking relationships and international financial cooperation.

Aggarwal's appointment is expected to provide India with greater visibility in ongoing discussions on financial integrity, enforcement mechanisms and emerging challenges facing the global financial system.

As FATF continues to address increasingly complex threats ranging from organised crime financing to cross-border terror networks, India's presence in the leadership structure is likely to strengthen its contribution to shaping international standards and policy responses.