India Hosts 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting

Pune in Maharashtra hosted the five-day BRICS Information and Communication Technologies Track from 17 August to 21 August 2026. The 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs opened on 17 August 2026 under India’s 2026 Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.

BRICS and ICT Cooperation

BRICS is a grouping of 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The ICT Track in BRICS covers digital policy, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and cooperation in information and communication systems.

Department of Telecommunications and Meeting Agenda

The Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, organised the meeting, and Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, inaugurated it on 17 August 2026. The Working Group discussed priorities listed in the Indian chairship’s Issues Note and reviewed responses to the Survey Questionnaire circulated among member countries.

The meeting agenda included inclusive digital environments, ICT start-ups, digital skills, and trusted Digital Public Infrastructure. Digital Public Infrastructure refers to digital systems such as identity, payments, and data-sharing platforms used for public and private services.

BRICS Institute of Future Networks

The Council of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks met during the event to review national branch activities. The Council also examined updates from study groups on artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Industry 4.0 internet applications, and electromagnetic field exposure.

Important Facts for Exams

• BRICS originally stood for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa before expansion to 11 members.
• Digital Public Infrastructure is a policy term used for reusable digital systems such as digital identity and digital payments.
• Industry 4.0 refers to the use of automation, data exchange, and connected systems in manufacturing and services.
• Electromagnetic field exposure is a technical topic linked to telecommunications and wireless network standards.

Digital BRICS Forum and Expo

The event programme includes the Digital BRICS Forum & Expo on 20 August 2026. The forum is scheduled before the 12th Communications Ministers Meeting and is linked to digital ecosystems and technology cooperation among BRICS members.