India Pushes for BRICS Digital Cooperation with Focus on Future Networks and Digital Infrastructure

India has intensified efforts to strengthen digital cooperation among BRICS nations by hosting the Second Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) under its BRICS Presidency 2026.

Organised virtually on 21 May 2026 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the meeting brought together senior officials and representatives from BRICS member countries to discuss collaborative approaches for building resilient digital infrastructure, promoting innovation, strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and expanding capacity building across emerging economies.

The discussions reflected the growing importance of digital technologies and telecommunications cooperation in shaping future economic growth, governance systems and technological resilience across the Global South.

India’s BRICS Presidency Focuses on Resilience and Innovation

The meeting was conducted under the overarching theme of India’s BRICS Presidency 2026:

“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”

Within the ICT track, the discussions were guided by the theme:

“Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”

Officials said the themes reflect India’s broader vision of leveraging digital technologies to support inclusive development, resilient economies and sustainable growth across BRICS nations.

India emphasized that ICT cooperation is no longer limited to technology exchange alone but has become central to governance, economic competitiveness, public service delivery and social inclusion.

BRICS Nations Discuss Future of Digital Cooperation

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in multiple areas of digital transformation and telecommunications.

Key discussion areas included:

• Bridging the digital divide

• Promoting innovation-led growth

• Enhancing digital resilience

• Expanding affordable connectivity

• Building trusted digital infrastructure

• Strengthening institutional cooperation

• Supporting emerging digital ecosystems

Officials highlighted that many developing economies continue to face major digital access and infrastructure gaps, making international cooperation essential for equitable technological advancement.

India Highlights Importance of Trusted Digital Infrastructure

During the meeting, India stressed the importance of creating trusted, secure and resilient digital infrastructure systems among BRICS countries.

Indian representatives noted that digital infrastructure now forms the backbone of:

• Public service delivery

• Financial systems

• Healthcare platforms

• Education systems

• Governance mechanisms

• Economic innovation ecosystems

India emphasized that stronger ICT collaboration can help empower citizens, improve governance efficiency and accelerate inclusive development throughout the Global South.

The country also highlighted the need for institutional capacity building and technology partnerships to support long-term digital resilience.

Proposal for BRICS Capacity Building Centres Presented

One of the major highlights of the meeting was India’s presentation of a Concept Note on BRICS Capacity Building Centres under the BRICS ICT Track.

The proposed initiative seeks to establish collaborative institutional mechanisms focused on:

• Digital skilling

• Knowledge exchange

• Technical training

• Research collaboration

• Capacity development in emerging telecom technologies

Officials said the centres would help strengthen technical capabilities and promote knowledge-sharing among BRICS member nations in advanced digital domains.

The initiative aligns with India’s broader emphasis on capacity-building as a core component of digital inclusion and sustainable development.

Child Online Protection and Digital Safety Discussed

The meeting also included extensive discussions on Child Online Protection and the need for safer digital environments.

BRICS member countries emphasized the increasing importance of:

• Secure digital ecosystems

• Online safety mechanisms

• Trusted connectivity frameworks

• Cyber resilience

• Responsible digital governance

Participants acknowledged that as digital adoption expands rapidly, protecting vulnerable users — especially children — has become a critical global policy challenge.

Officials stressed the need for collaborative approaches to ensure safe and inclusive digital environments.

Focus on Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) emerged as another major focus area during the discussions.

BRICS nations reviewed activities under the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure, which explores cooperation in digital governance systems and public technology platforms.

India has increasingly positioned itself as a global advocate for DPI models following the international recognition of platforms such as:

• Aadhaar

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

• CoWIN

• DigiLocker

Officials believe DPI can play a transformative role in improving access to services, financial inclusion and digital governance in developing economies.

Future Networks and Telecom Innovation Reviewed

The Working Group also held extensive deliberations on activities under the BRICS Institute for Future Networks (BIFN) and the Digital BRICS Task Force (DBTF).

Discussions focused on future technologies shaping next-generation digital infrastructure, including:

• AI in telecom

• Future network innovation

• Advanced connectivity systems

• Emerging communication technologies

• Institutional strengthening mechanisms

Experts noted that the future of economic competitiveness will increasingly depend on digital infrastructure resilience and technological innovation.

BRICS Cooperation Seen as Important for Global South

India emphasized that cooperation among BRICS nations can play a major role in strengthening the digital capabilities of emerging economies and the wider Global South.

Officials highlighted that developing nations often face common challenges such as:

• Connectivity gaps

• Limited digital infrastructure

• Skill shortages

• Technology access inequalities

• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Collaborative frameworks under BRICS are therefore being viewed as important mechanisms for sharing expertise, resources and innovation models.

Roadmap for Future BRICS ICT Engagements Finalised

The Working Group also reviewed ongoing BRICS ICT cooperation initiatives and discussed the roadmap for upcoming engagements under the BRICS ICT Track.

Planned activities include:

• Technical webinars

• Ministerial meetings

• Knowledge-sharing sessions

• Research collaborations

• Innovation-focused discussions

• Institutional cooperation programmes

The agenda reflects a growing push to deepen long-term digital collaboration among BRICS member countries.

India Expanding Leadership in Global Digital Governance

India’s leadership of the BRICS ICT agenda reflects its expanding role in global digital governance and technology diplomacy.

Over the past decade, India has increasingly emerged as a major voice advocating for:

• Inclusive digital growth

• Affordable technology access

• Digital sovereignty

• Open and trusted digital systems

• Technology partnerships among developing nations

Experts note that India’s experience in building population-scale digital infrastructure has strengthened its credibility in international digital cooperation forums.

ICT Cooperation Becoming Strategic Priority

The discussions also highlighted how information and communication technologies are becoming strategic pillars of national development and international cooperation.

Digital systems now influence nearly every sector, including:

• Economic growth

• National security

• Healthcare delivery

• Financial inclusion

• Education access

• Governance efficiency

As a result, countries are increasingly investing in resilient telecom systems, digital innovation ecosystems and secure technology frameworks.

Meeting Concludes with Commitment to Deeper Cooperation

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among BRICS nations to strengthen ICT cooperation through:

• Collaborative innovation

• Institutional partnerships

• Trusted digital infrastructure

• Capacity building

• Knowledge exchange

Officials stated that the discussions are expected to contribute toward building resilient digital societies, advancing inclusive technological growth and supporting sustainable development objectives across BRICS countries and the wider Global South.