India Hosts Key BRICS ICT Meeting to Boost Digital Cooperation Under 2026 Presidency

India has taken another significant step in strengthening global digital collaboration by hosting the second BRICS ICT Working Group meeting under its 2026 presidency, focusing on innovation, resilience, and inclusive digital growth.

India Leads Second BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting

The Department of Telecommunications, under the Ministry of Communications, successfully convened the second meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Held virtually as part of India’s BRICS Presidency for 2026, the meeting brought together senior officials, policymakers, and technical experts from member nations to deliberate on the future of digital cooperation.

This high-level engagement highlighted the shared commitment of BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to advancing collaboration in critical areas such as digital technologies, telecom infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.

Focus on Strengthening Digital Partnerships

The meeting served as a platform for member nations to exchange ideas and align strategies to strengthen partnerships in the ICT domain. Participants discussed ways to enhance cooperation in next-generation communication networks, digital transformation initiatives, and emerging technologies that are shaping the global digital economy.

Key emphasis was placed on fostering innovation-led growth, improving technological capabilities, and building resilient digital systems that can withstand evolving global challenges. The discussions reflected a collective vision of leveraging technology as a catalyst for economic development and social progress across emerging economies.

Bridging the Digital Divide Across BRICS Nations

One of the central themes of the meeting was addressing the persistent digital divide among developing and emerging economies. Delegates acknowledged that unequal access to digital infrastructure, internet connectivity, and digital skills continues to hinder inclusive growth.

To tackle these challenges, member countries explored strategies to expand affordable and meaningful connectivity, particularly in underserved and rural regions. The focus was on ensuring that digital transformation benefits all sections of society, leaving no one behind in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of policy coordination, infrastructure investment, and knowledge-sharing to accelerate digital inclusion across BRICS nations.

Enhancing Digital Resilience and Security

In an increasingly interconnected world, digital resilience and cybersecurity have become critical priorities. During the meeting, BRICS members discussed measures to strengthen digital systems against cyber threats, data breaches, and technological disruptions.

Ensuring secure and reliable communication networks was identified as a key factor in sustaining economic growth and maintaining public trust in digital platforms. The participants emphasized the need for collaborative frameworks, information sharing, and joint initiatives to build robust and secure digital ecosystems.

Promoting Innovation and Emerging Technologies

Innovation remained a core focus of the discussions, with member nations exploring opportunities to collaborate in areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G and future telecom networks, cloud computing, and digital public infrastructure.

India highlighted the role of innovation-driven policies in accelerating economic growth and improving governance. The exchange of best practices and successful models among BRICS countries is expected to foster a more dynamic and forward-looking ICT environment.

The meeting also underscored the importance of nurturing startups, research institutions, and technology ecosystems to drive sustained innovation across member countries.

India’s Presidency Theme Guides Discussions

The meeting was conducted under the overarching theme of India’s BRICS Presidency: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This theme shaped the agenda and guided discussions toward creating long-term solutions for shared challenges.

India’s leadership emphasized a balanced approach that integrates technological advancement with sustainability and inclusivity. By aligning digital initiatives with broader development goals, BRICS nations aim to create a more equitable and sustainable global digital order.

Proposal for BRICS Capacity Building Centres

A major highlight of the meeting was India’s presentation of a concept note proposing the establishment of BRICS Capacity Building Centres under the ICT track. This initiative is designed to strengthen human capital and technical expertise across member nations.

The proposed centres aim to facilitate skill development, technical training, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange in emerging digital and telecom technologies. By investing in capacity building, BRICS countries can enhance their competitiveness and better adapt to rapid technological changes.

This initiative also reflects India’s focus on empowering people through education and skill development, ensuring that technological progress translates into tangible benefits for society.

Expanding Digital Public Infrastructure Collaboration

Another important area of discussion was Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s digital transformation journey. India shared insights from its experience in building scalable and inclusive digital platforms that support governance, financial inclusion, and service delivery.

BRICS members expressed interest in collaborating on similar initiatives to improve public service efficiency and expand access to digital services. Such cooperation can help countries adopt proven models and accelerate their own digital development efforts.

Looking Ahead: A Unified Digital Future

The second BRICS ICT Working Group meeting marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation among emerging economies in the digital domain. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, collaborative efforts like these will play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and resilient global digital ecosystem.

India’s proactive leadership and focus on innovation, capacity building, and digital inclusion have set the stage for deeper engagement among BRICS nations. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to pave the way for future initiatives, joint projects, and policy frameworks that support sustainable digital growth.

Conclusion

India’s hosting of the second BRICS ICT Working Group meeting under its 2026 Presidency underscores its commitment to fostering global digital cooperation. By prioritizing innovation, resilience, and inclusivity, the initiative aims to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.

As BRICS nations continue to collaborate, their collective efforts have the potential to reshape the global digital landscape, ensuring that technological advancements benefit not just a few, but entire societies.