India Hosts 7th BRICS ICT Meeting in Pune for Digital Cooperation

India hosted the seventh BRICS Working Group meeting on ICTs in Pune, bringing member countries together to strengthen cooperation in AI, next-generation communications, Industry 4.0, cybersecurity and resilient digital ecosystems.

India has hosted the seventh meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Pune as part of its 2026 BRICS Chairship. The meeting brings together representatives from BRICS member countries to advance cooperation in emerging digital technologies and next-generation communication networks.

The five-day BRICS ICT Track, being held from August 17 to 21, is guided by India's broader chairship theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The ICT Track follows the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”

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The discussions are focused on building universal, meaningful, affordable, sustainable and resilient connectivity across BRICS countries. Delegates are also examining ways to create trusted and secure digital environments while strengthening digital skills, capacity building, innovation, startups and entrepreneurship.

The meeting's agenda covers several emerging technology areas, including artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Industry 4.0, electromagnetic field exposure and digital ecosystem integration. These discussions are intended to support greater policy coordination and knowledge sharing among member countries.

Inaugurating the meeting, Department of Telecommunications Secretary Amit Agrawal highlighted the work carried out since India assumed the BRICS ICT Track chairship earlier this year. Member countries have participated in working group meetings, thematic webinars, discussions on concept notes and regular exchanges between experts and officials.

These engagements have helped participating countries share experiences, identify common priorities and develop a coordinated agenda for digital cooperation. The focus on resilient digital infrastructure also reflects the growing importance of secure and reliable connectivity to economic development.

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The ICT Track will also include the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo on August 20, which will provide a platform to showcase cooperation in emerging digital technologies and resilient ICT ecosystems. Discussions will include cybersecurity, trustworthy ICTs, child online protection and sustainable digital infrastructure.

The programme will conclude with the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on August 21, providing an opportunity for ministers to review cooperation and consider further initiatives.

The Pune meeting highlights India's efforts to use its BRICS Chairship to promote digital innovation, technology cooperation and inclusive connectivity. By strengthening collaboration in AI, next-generation networks, cybersecurity and digital skills, BRICS members are seeking to build more resilient and sustainable digital ecosystems.