The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry of India convened the first Health Working Group (HWG) meeting under the BRICS framework for 2026, featuring delegates from nine countries including Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. Chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, the meeting aimed to enhance cooperation on public health priorities such as tuberculosis research, digital health, and mental wellness. India, as BRICS Chair, has set the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability' to guide health diplomacy throughout the year. The meeting introduced two new priority areas: the BRICS Mission for Healthy Lifestyles, which targets unhealthy behaviors, and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellness, which aims to integrate mental health into public health frameworks. Member nations expressed strong support for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of universal health coverage and local production of medicines. The agenda also included collaboration on a BRICS TB Research Network and an integrated early warning system for infectious diseases, highlighting the need for concrete deliverables in addressing health challenges.