BRICS ICT Meeting began in Pune, Maharashtra, on August 17, 2026, bringing representatives from BRICS member countries together to discuss digital technology, communication systems and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence. The five-day Information and Communication Technologies Track will continue until August 21 under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026.

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The 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies opened on August 17. The discussions are being held under India’s 2026 chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

BRICS Countries Focus on Digital Cooperation

BRICS is now a group of 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The expansion of the grouping has increased the scope for cooperation in areas such as technology, trade, energy, finance and digital development.

The ICT track focuses on how member countries can work together in the rapidly changing digital environment. Discussions cover telecommunications, digital policies, emerging technologies and the development of reliable communication systems.

As digital services become an important part of everyday life, cooperation in this area has become increasingly important. Governments are looking at ways to improve internet access, digital skills, online services and the safe use of new technologies.

Department of Telecommunications Organises Meeting

The Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, is organising the BRICS ICT Meeting in Pune. Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, inaugurated the working group meeting on August 17.

The participating countries are discussing priorities included in India’s Issues Note for the 2026 BRICS Chairship. The meeting is also reviewing responses to a survey questionnaire shared with BRICS members.

The discussions are designed to understand the digital priorities of different member countries and identify areas where cooperation can be strengthened.

Digital Public Infrastructure Gets Attention

One of the important areas discussed during the meeting is Digital Public Infrastructure, or DPI. It refers to digital systems that can support large-scale public and private services.

Digital identity systems, digital payments and secure data-sharing platforms are examples of technologies associated with digital public infrastructure. Countries are increasingly exploring such systems to make government and financial services faster and more accessible.

The BRICS discussions are looking at ways to encourage inclusive digital environments while also supporting innovation and technology-based businesses.

Support for ICT Start-ups and Digital Skills

The meeting is also focusing on ICT start-ups and digital skills. Start-ups working in technology can contribute to new products and services while creating employment opportunities.

At the same time, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation and advanced communication networks is increasing the need for people with updated digital skills.

Improving digital skills can help countries prepare their workforce for changes in technology and support wider participation in the digital economy. The discussions in Pune are therefore looking beyond telecommunications infrastructure and also considering the people and businesses needed to build future digital systems.

BRICS Institute of Future Networks

The Council of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks also met during the ICT programme. The council reviewed activities being carried out by national branches and considered updates from different study groups.

The study groups are examining several areas linked to the future of technology. These include artificial intelligence, next-generation communication systems, Industry 4.0 applications and electromagnetic field exposure.

Future communication networks are expected to support faster connections, connected devices and new digital services. Artificial intelligence is also becoming an important part of telecommunications, business and public services.

Digital BRICS Forum and Expo

Another major part of the programme will be the Digital BRICS Forum & Expo, scheduled for August 20, 2026. The event will bring attention to digital ecosystems, technology cooperation and new developments across BRICS countries.

The forum is scheduled ahead of the 12th Communications Ministers Meeting. It provides an opportunity for government representatives, technology stakeholders and other participants to discuss developments in the digital sector.

The programme comes at a time when countries are paying greater attention to artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, next-generation networks and technology-driven economic growth.

India’s BRICS Chairship and Technology Agenda

The BRICS ICT Meeting is part of India’s wider programme as BRICS Chair in 2026. The chairship theme places emphasis on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Technology has become an important part of each of these areas. Strong digital infrastructure can help countries maintain essential services during emergencies, while innovation can support new businesses and solutions. Cooperation between countries can also help develop common approaches to emerging technologies.

The Pune meeting therefore provides a platform for BRICS members to discuss how digital technologies can be used to support economic development, improve connectivity and prepare for the next phase of technological change.