How is India reaffirming its commitment to space, digital tech, and sustainability at the BRICS meet?

Brasilia, June 3 (NationPress) India has reiterated its dedication to enduring diplomatic relationships with the BRICS nations during a multilateral gathering of communications ministers in Brazil.

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, who represented India at the 11th BRICS Communication Ministers' Meeting in Brazil, emphasized the groundbreaking Digital Public Infrastructure -- from Aadhaar to UPI, which has now become a global benchmark for inclusive technology-driven growth.

He outlined India's advancements on four critical pillars -- Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space and Environmental Sustainability, and Digital Ecosystems -- under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting held in Brasilia on Monday.

The BRICS coalition comprises 11 nations -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

"Constructive bilateral discussions with Brazil aimed at enhancing digital links for a smarter, more secure future. We explored India's progress in indigenous 4G/5G development and domestic manufacturing, and discussed potential collaboration in 6G, Quantum Technology, and Satcom. Additionally, we reviewed Brazil's 6GHz trials and satcom requirements, telecom security, and global DPI cooperation," Pemmasani shared on X on Tuesday.

He also engaged in fruitful discussions with his South African counterpart during the BRICS Communication Ministers' meeting, commending their ongoing support in global forums.

Topics included enhancing cooperation in areas such as skill development to close the digital divide, digital banking, particularly UPI-based cashless payment solutions, and digital public infrastructure.

Both parties examined the potential for increased collaboration on multilateral platforms and pledged every possible support to fortify their digital partnership.

In remarks to IANS, the MoS stated, "The meeting was quite fruitful. About 10 countries participated, each sharing their experiences and learning from each other. Overall, when compared to other nations, India has excelled in expanding 4G and 5G connectivity, laying fibre optics, preventing telecom fraud, and implementing satellite reforms. Attendees acknowledged and appreciated India's proactive and dynamic approach to these issues."

The BRICS Communications Ministers convened in Brasilia under Brazil's leadership on June 2, discussing universal and meaningful connectivity, space sustainability, environmental sustainability, and digital ecosystems, with a vision to enhance cooperation in establishing an open, enabling, inclusive, interconnected, innovation-driven, development-oriented, equitable, and sustainable digital future for all.

Meanwhile, an all-party parliamentary delegation from India, spearheaded by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, arrived in Brazil as part of the government's ongoing diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor to strengthen global support against cross-border terrorism and to convey India's zero-tolerance stance on terror.

Responding to a question regarding the Indian delegation led by Tharoor, Pemmasani commended them for articulating India's narrative globally under the innovative initiative introduced by Prime Minister Modi.

"He (Shashi Tharoor) is undoubtedly a highly experienced individual with extensive international exposure in addressing such matters. I believe he and his team are doing an admirable job in portraying India's perspective and truth to the world and have been quite successful. For instance, just yesterday, they managed to influence a shift in Colombia's stance. It's an intriguing and innovative initiative by PM Modi, and it is evidently yielding results," Pemmasani concluded.