The 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi has selected the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, as the Centre for Excellence (CoE) for Mental Health. The decision was taken during the BRICS summit held from 12th to 13th September. NIMHANS will co-ordinate efforts with member nations to integrate mental well-being into primary healthcare through scientific and technical co-operation.
The goal is to provide timely and accessible mental health and psychosocial solutions, particularly to people in vulnerable situations. Member nations will each assign a select group to jointly collaborate, ensure balanced decisions and share accountability in the process. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) will serve as a platform to facilitate collaborative research and contribute evidence-based strategies for mental health improvement across BRICS nations.
Mental Health in India
India carries one of the world’s largest treatment gaps for mental health struggles. A survey by the National Mental Health Survey found that one in ten Indian adults experience a mental disorder, of whom five receive absolutely no care. Adding to this is a shortage of mental health professionals, as the rising population of whom many below the age of 35, is being diagnosed with mental health challenges. Mental Health accounts for nearly half of illness-related suicides in India, up to 47%.
Efforts To Heal The Gap
Experts from the Indian Psychiatric Association revealed in 2026 that at least 60% of mental disorders were diagnosed in individuals below 35 years of age. In recent years, the government of India has put in a lot of effort to develop mental health infrastructure, including national helplines and mental health programs. The national Tele Manas program is one among many such initiatives by India to tackle the growing challenge of mental health. AI is also slowly being integrated into guiding young people for counselling and therapy.
Other Health Decisions
Tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases also emerged as key points calling for stronger international collaboration to prevent disease outbreaks. The New Delhi Declaration recognised Tuberculosis as a public health challenge. A dedicated sub-group will be formed to spearhead the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System to prevent and respond to mass infectious diseases. This body will monitor the best practices in disease surveillance and outbreaks. It will also co-ordinate early detection and rapid response to epidemic-prone infectious diseases to BRICS countries, according to Tribune India.
India’s Contribution to Health
The overall decisions taken at the 18th BRICS summit focus on enhancing and intensifying joint efforts to strengthen and push for better health infrastructure. The New Delhi Declaration was praised by the World Health Organisation for its prioritisation of various present-day challenges that affect human rights and health in India and across the world.
Conclusion
NIMHANS will serve as the platform that works with other member nations to research, create dialogue and policies and build a better infrastructure for mental health interventions. India’s push for better mental health infrastructure serves as a healthy reminder of its stance to amplify and improve its once conservative view regarding mental health struggles. As a young country with a population under 30 years of age, this move sends a wave of hope to the many who struggle with both support and financial aid to deal with their mental health.
References +
- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/soe-in-figures-2026-mental-illness-linked-to-nearly-half-of-illness-related-suicides-in-india
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2026.1915080/full
- https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mental-wellness-nimhans-to-be-nodal-body-for-brics-centres-of-excellence-10875678/
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/tb-obesity-mental-health-emerge-as-key-health-priorities-in-brics-new-delhi-declaration/
