THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PUNE, AUGUST 21, 2026
India and Brazil have taken a significant step towards
deepening their strategic digital partnership, signing a landmark Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation across telecommunications and
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The agreement, signed on the
sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track Meeting in Pune, signals a strong push by the
two major emerging economies to collaborate on next-generation technologies,
digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and inclusive connectivity.
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia and
Brazil’s Minister of Communications Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed the
agreement, which aims to create new avenues for technological collaboration
while accelerating digital innovation in both countries.
The pact is designed to strengthen India-Brazil cooperation
in strategic and emerging areas of telecommunications and ICTs, with a
particular focus on building robust digital infrastructure and fostering
innovation. It is also expected to open fresh opportunities for collaboration
in universal connectivity, cybersecurity, Digital Public Infrastructure,
emerging technologies, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Scindia said the agreement would
further deepen the relationship between India and Brazil and create
opportunities for cooperation in areas that are increasingly central to the
global digital economy.
The MoU establishes a broad framework for regular exchanges
of information, expertise, experience and best practices between the two
countries. The cooperation will be guided by the principles of equality, mutual
benefit and mutual respect, providing a foundation for sustained engagement in
the rapidly evolving ICT landscape.
The partnership encompasses a wide range of technologies and
policy areas, including telecommunications policies and regulations, Artificial
Intelligence, 5G and 6G technologies, Open RAN, the Internet of Things,
Direct-to-Device connectivity, Low Earth Orbit satellites and Non-Terrestrial
Networks.
The agreement also places emphasis on critical digital
infrastructure, covering spectrum and satellite-orbit management, optical fibre
networks and submarine cables. With secure and resilient connectivity becoming
increasingly important to national economies, the cooperation could provide
both countries with opportunities to exchange expertise and explore innovative
approaches to infrastructure development.
Cybersecurity, universal and meaningful connectivity and digital inclusion are also key components of the agreement. The MoU further covers consumer protection, private networks, digital transition and initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the ICT sector.
The agreement comes at a time when technological transformation is reshaping economies and redefining the importance of secure, affordable and inclusive digital access. By bringing together India’s growing digital capabilities and Brazil’s technological ambitions, the partnership creates a forward-looking platform for cooperation in areas that could shape the next phase of global digital development.
