- India hosts the 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting in Pune.
- Delegates discuss AI, next-generation communications and Industry 4.0.
- BRICS Institute of Future Networks reviews studies on emerging technologies.
- Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital BRICS Task Force to meet next.
GG News Bureau
Pune, 17th Aug: India on Monday hosted the 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Pune, bringing together delegates from BRICS member countries to advance cooperation in emerging technologies and digital ecosystems.
The meeting marks the beginning of the in-person engagements under the BRICS ICT Track during India’s 2026 Chairship. The ICT Track is being guided by the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”, aligned with India’s broader BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The meetings were inaugurated by Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, who welcomed delegations from participating BRICS countries and outlined the priorities of the ICT Track.
In his opening remarks, Agrawal said the meeting represents the continuation of several months of collaborative engagement involving Working Group meetings, thematic webinars, concept notes and exchanges among experts and officials.
He said these engagements have helped participating countries share experiences, develop common understanding of priorities and collectively shape the agenda for the current discussions.
During the day’s proceedings, the Council of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks reviewed activities of its designated national branches and received updates from study groups working on emerging areas.
The discussions covered artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, internet applications in Industry 4.0 and electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure.
The BRICS ICT Working Group subsequently considered the priorities outlined in the Issues Note prepared by the Chairship, along with questions for discussion under the identified pillars. Delegates also reviewed responses submitted by member countries through a survey questionnaire and discussed concept notes submitted by participating countries.
The meetings will continue on Tuesday with discussions of the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure and the Digital BRICS Task Force.
The Pune meetings form part of India’s broader effort during its BRICS Chairship to strengthen international cooperation in ICT, encourage technological innovation and advance resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems.
