Department of Telecommunications organized Second Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026
- India advances initiatives on BRICS Capacity Building Centres, Future Networks and Digital Cooperation for the Global South
- Discussions focus on resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, future networks, Digital Public Infrastructure and inclusive digital transformation
New Delhi: Under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026, Department of Telecommunications successfully organized and headed the Second Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) held in virtual mode on 21 May 2026. The meeting reflected the shared commitment of BRICS nations towards strengthening cooperation in digital technologies, future networks, innovation ecosystems, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and capacity building for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth.
The meeting brought together representatives and senior officials from BRICS member countries to deliberate on strengthening cooperation in the ICT sector. Held under the overarching theme of India’s BRICS Presidency — “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” — and the ICT Track theme — “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future” — the discussions focused on collaborative approaches for bridging the digital divide, promoting innovation-led growth, enhancing digital resilience, and ensuring affordable and meaningful connectivity across emerging economies.
India highlighted the importance of trusted digital infrastructure, institutional capacity building, and technology partnerships among BRICS nations. India emphasized that cooperation in ICT is critical for empowering citizens, enhancing public service delivery, enabling innovation, and accelerating inclusive development across the Global South.
A key highlight of the meeting was India’s presentation of the Concept Note on BRICS Capacity Building Centres under the BRICS ICT Track. The initiative aims to establish collaborative institutional mechanisms for skilling, knowledge exchange, technical training, research cooperation, and capacity development in emerging digital and telecom technologies among BRICS member countries.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on proposals relating to Child Online Protection and strengthening BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation. Member countries emphasized the growing importance of secure and trusted connectivity, resilient digital infrastructure, safe digital environments, and enhanced cooperation in emerging digital domains.
Extensive deliberations were held on activities under the BRICS Institute for Future Networks (BIFN), the Digital BRICS Task Force (DBTF), and the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
The Working Group also reviewed progress on ongoing BRICS ICT cooperation initiatives and discussed the roadmap for upcoming engagements under the BRICS ICT Track, including webinars, technical discussions, ministerial meetings, and collaborative activities focused on digital transformation, AI in telecom, future networks innovation, and institutional strengthening.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among BRICS member countries to deepen cooperation in ICTs through collaborative innovation, institutional partnerships, trusted digital infrastructure, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms. The discussions are expected to further contribute towards advancing resilient digital societies, fostering inclusive digital growth, and supporting sustainable development objectives across BRICS nations and the wider Global South.
