Ludhiana’s PAU makes history: Only Indian state agri-varsity to join BRICS Network University

He added that the BRICS platform offers an avenue to co-create solutions for food security, climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods by pooling expertise across diverse agro-ecological regions. He has also indicated that PAU will prioritise actionable partnerships that can benefit farmers, researchers and students across participating countries.

PAU picked for contributions to agro-science, rural livelihoods

The expansion of the BRICS Network University was approved by the BRICS International Governing Board in May 2025, leading to the creation of new thematic clusters, including Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. In India’s case, two institutions were identified for each thematic group. PAU was shortlisted for this domain in recognition of its national standing and long-term contributions to agricultural science and rural livelihoods.

Notably, PAU is the only state agricultural university from the country to be selected in the network, while the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Delhi, represents the institute category, placing PAU in a distinct leadership position within the consortium.

This recognition gains added significance as India prepares to assume the rotating BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, with the presidency logo having been unveiled recently.