India Hosts 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting in Pune to Boost Digital Technology Cooperation

India hosted the seventh BRICS ICT Working Group meeting in Pune, focusing on artificial intelligence, next-generation communication networks, digital infrastructure and stronger cooperation among member countries.

India Hosts 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting in Pune

India hosted the seventh meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Pune on Monday. The meeting brought together representatives from BRICS member countries to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies and digital communications.

The discussions are being held as part of India’s BRICS Chairship and aim to encourage innovation, cooperation and sustainable development in the digital technology sector.

India’s BRICS ICT Agenda Focuses on Resilience and Innovation

The meetings are being conducted under India’s broader BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The ICT Track is being advanced under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.” The agenda focuses on creating stronger digital ecosystems and encouraging member countries to work together on technologies that can support future economic and social development.

The in-person discussions are also intended to build on several months of consultations between participating countries.

DoT Secretary Amit Agrawal Welcomes BRICS Delegations

The meetings were inaugurated by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Secretary Amit Agrawal, who welcomed representatives from participating BRICS countries.

During the opening session, Agrawal highlighted the four key pillars of India's ICT Track and described the meeting as an important phase of ongoing cooperation.

Representatives from participating countries also delivered opening remarks and shared their perspectives on digital technology cooperation.

Agrawal noted that the participating nations had already engaged through several Working Group meetings, thematic webinars, concept-note discussions and regular exchanges between experts and government officials.

Months of Discussions Shape the ICT Agenda

Since India took over the chairship of the BRICS ICT Track earlier this year, member countries have been involved in a series of discussions aimed at identifying shared priorities.

These engagements have allowed participating nations to exchange experiences and discuss policy and technology-related challenges. The consultations have also helped develop a common understanding of important ICT issues.

The discussions and expert exchanges have contributed to shaping the agenda for the current Pune meetings.

AI and Next-Generation Communication Technologies in Focus

Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the important areas of discussion during the meeting. Delegates also examined developments in next-generation communication technologies and their potential applications.

The Council of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks reviewed the activities of its designated national branches and received updates from various Study Groups.

The discussions covered several technology-related areas, including:

• Artificial intelligence

• Next-generation communication networks

• Internet applications for Industry 4.0

• Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure

These areas are becoming increasingly important as countries expand digital connectivity and adopt advanced technologies across industries.

BRICS Members Discuss ICT Priorities and Concept Notes

The Working Group reviewed the priorities outlined in an Issues Note prepared by the Indian Chairship. Delegates also considered questions related to each of the four pillars guiding the ICT Track.

Responses submitted by member countries through a survey questionnaire were discussed during the meeting. Participants also examined concept notes submitted by different countries.

The consultations are intended to identify areas where BRICS nations can develop stronger cooperation and share knowledge, expertise and best practices.

Focus on Resilient and Sustainable Digital Ecosystems

A major objective of the discussions is to promote cooperation in emerging ICT technologies while supporting the creation of resilient, secure and sustainable digital ecosystems.

As digital technologies become increasingly important for economies and public services, cooperation between countries can help address common challenges related to connectivity, innovation and technology adoption.

The BRICS ICT platform provides member countries with an opportunity to discuss these developments and explore common approaches.

Digital Public Infrastructure to Be Discussed Next

The BRICS ICT meetings will continue on Tuesday with discussions focused on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The programme includes a meeting of the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure as well as the Digital BRICS Task Force.

These discussions are expected to examine ways to strengthen cooperation in digital public systems and support the broader digital transformation objectives of BRICS member countries.

India’s Role in Strengthening BRICS Digital Cooperation

The Pune meeting is part of India's broader efforts during its BRICS Chairship to strengthen collaboration in information and communication technologies.

By bringing member countries together to discuss AI, future communication networks, Industry 4.0 and digital public infrastructure, India is seeking to promote shared approaches to emerging technology challenges.

The discussions could also provide a platform for BRICS countries to exchange knowledge and identify opportunities for future cooperation in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Conclusion

The seventh BRICS ICT Working Group meeting in Pune highlights the growing importance of digital technology cooperation among member countries. With AI, next-generation communications and digital public infrastructure among the key areas of focus, the discussions aim to support a more resilient and sustainable digital future.

India's BRICS Chairship is using the ICT Track to encourage innovation, knowledge sharing and closer collaboration among participating nations as emerging technologies continue to transform economies and societies.