THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 15, 2026
India will bring together communications ministers, senior
policymakers and technology experts from BRICS nations in Pune next week as it
seeks to deepen global cooperation in digital technologies, cybersecurity and
innovation under its 2026 BRICS Chairship.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will host the
five-day BRICS Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Track in Pune
from August 17 to 21 under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT)
for a Resilient Future.” The high-level gathering comes as India steps up
efforts to shape a secure, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem through
greater international collaboration.
BRICS currently brings together 11 major emerging markets and
developing economies — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The ICT Track will feature three major engagements, beginning
with the seventh meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs
from August 17 to 19.
The working group is expected to deliberate on a wide-ranging
digital agenda, including universal, meaningful, affordable and resilient
connectivity, trusted and human-centric digital environments, digital skills
and capacity building, and greater support for innovation, startups and
entrepreneurship in ICT.
Artificial intelligence, next-generation communications,
Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, child online protection and
cooperation across digital ecosystems are also set to figure prominently in the
discussions.
The focus reflects the rapidly expanding role of digital
technologies in economic growth and development, while underscoring the need
for stronger safeguards and wider access as countries accelerate digital
transformation.
On August 20, India will host the Digital BRICS Forum and
Expo, offering a platform to showcase cooperation in emerging technologies and
resilient ICT ecosystems.
The forum will feature thematic panel discussions on
cybersecurity and trustworthy ICTs, including child online protection, as well
as sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems.
The five-day programme will culminate in the 12th BRICS
Communications Ministers Meeting on August 21, where Union Minister of
Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M.
Scindia, will participate from the Indian side.
Communications ministers from BRICS member countries are
expected to deliberate on the priorities of the ICT Track and explore avenues
for deeper cooperation in sustainable and resilient ICT ecosystems,
cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT, digital skilling and capacity building, and
innovation, startups and entrepreneurship.
The Pune meetings assume significance as digital
infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity increasingly emerge
as critical pillars of economic competitiveness and national resilience.
By convening policymakers and technology stakeholders from across the BRICS grouping, India aims to build greater alignment on digital priorities while fostering innovation and technology-led growth that is sustainable and inclusive.
The hosting of the three key events in Pune under India’s BRICS Chairship reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in ICT, fostering digital innovation and promoting technology-led, sustainable and inclusive growth.
