BRICS 2026: India launches ICT track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform' in Pune
Synopsis
India used its BRICS Chairship to set the digital agenda for half of humanity — unveiling an eight-pillar ICT cooperation framework in Pune that spans AI, SATCOM, cybersecurity, and startup ecosystems. With two-fifths of global GDP in the room, the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting signals India's intent to lead the bloc's technology future, not just host it.
Key Takeaways
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M.
Scindia launched the ICT track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform for a Resilient Future' at the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune on 21 August 2026 .
The theme is built on four pillars : sustainable digital ecosystems, cybersecurity, digital skilling, and innovation and startups.
Scindia outlined eight priority pillars for future BRICS ICT cooperation, covering AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, universal connectivity, and more.
BRICS collectively represents half of humanity and two-fifths of the world's economy , according to Scindia.
Delegates visited the Digital BRICS Forum Expo , featuring domestic and international telecom and tech enterprises.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Friday, 21 August formally unveiled India's ICT track theme — 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future' — at the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune. The theme rests on four pillars: sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems; cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT; digital skilling and capacity building; and innovation, startups and entrepreneurship.
India's Vision as BRICS Chair
Addressing the ministerial gathering, Scindia said India had assumed the BRICS Chairship in 2026 with a commitment to resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. 'India assumed the Chairship in 2026; we do so with humility and a shared commitment to our theme: building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability reflected in the ICT Track theme Innovate, Cooperate and Transform for a Resilient Future,' he stated.
He underscored the urgency of the moment, noting that technologies such as AI, next-generation networks, SATCOM, cloud computing, and advanced digital infrastructure are fundamentally reshaping economies and societies. 'We must ensure that innovation remains secure, inclusive, sustainable and people-centric,' Scindia added.
Eight Pillars Shaping BRICS ICT Cooperation
At a post-meeting press briefing, Scindia outlined eight priority pillars that will guide future ICT cooperation among BRICS nations: Universal and Meaningful Connectivity; Resilient Public Infrastructure; Trusted, Secure, and People-Centric Ecosystems; Digital Public Infrastructure; Artificial Intelligence and Future Network Technologies; Innovation, Startups and Entrepreneurship; Digital Skilling; and Enhanced Cooperation among BRICS countries.
The minister contextualised the bloc's growing global relevance, noting that half of humanity and two-fifths of the world's economy are represented within the BRICS grouping. 'BRICS has a growing role to play in the global forum,' he said.
Key Outcomes and Delegations
Heads of ministerial delegations from all BRICS member countries delivered addresses at the meeting. India extended appreciation to member nations for their engagement during its Chairship year and expressed support for the incoming Chair.
Scindia also remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decade-long governance had driven a monumental digital transformation in India — positioning the country as a credible convenor of the bloc's technology agenda.
Digital BRICS Forum Expo
Following the ministerial session, delegates visited the Digital BRICS Forum Expo in Pune, where domestic and international technology enterprises showcased interactive telecom solutions and cutting-edge digital products. The event concluded with a cultural excursion highlighting Pune's heritage, offering visiting delegates a broader context of India's host-city choice.
The outcomes of this meeting are expected to feed into BRICS-wide ICT policy frameworks as India's Chairship year progresses through 2026.
Point of View
Digital sovereignty, and cybersecurity are contested globally. The eight-pillar framework is ambitious, but BRICS groupings have historically produced more declarations than binding cooperation. The real test will be whether these pillars translate into interoperable standards, shared infrastructure, or joint funding mechanisms — or remain aspirational talking points. With China and Russia also at the table, aligning on 'trusted' and 'secure' ecosystems carries geopolitical weight that the communique language may understate.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's ICT track theme for BRICS 2026?
India's ICT track theme for its 2026 BRICS Chairship is 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.' It was formally introduced by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune on 21 August 2026.
What are the four pillars of India's BRICS ICT theme?
The four pillars are: sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems; cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT; digital skilling and capacity building; and innovation, startups and entrepreneurship. These form the thematic foundation of India's Chairship agenda.
What are the eight pillars of BRICS ICT cooperation outlined at the Pune meeting?
The eight pillars are: Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Resilient Public Infrastructure, Trusted and Secure People-Centric Ecosystems, Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Future Network Technologies, Innovation Startups and Entrepreneurship, Digital Skilling, and Enhanced Cooperation among BRICS countries.
Why does BRICS matter for global ICT policy?
BRICS nations collectively represent half of humanity and two-fifths of the world's economy, according to Minister Scindia. This scale gives the bloc significant influence over global digital standards, connectivity norms, and AI governance frameworks.
What happened at the Digital BRICS Forum Expo in Pune?
After the ministerial meeting, delegates visited the Digital BRICS Forum Expo, where domestic and international technology enterprises presented interactive showcases and advanced telecom solutions. The event was part of India's broader effort to demonstrate its digital capabilities as the 2026 BRICS Chair.
