India Joins BRICS Industrial Competencies Centre

India has formally joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC), marking a significant step in strengthening industrial cooperation among BRICS nations. The development was announced at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi. India’s participation aligns with its broader push to enhance manufacturing competitiveness and support MSMEs through advanced technologies.

About The BRICS Centre For Industrial Competencies

The BCIC has been launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization as a one-stop platform providing integrated support services to manufacturing enterprises and MSMEs across BRICS countries. The centre focuses on developing Industry 4.0 competencies, including smart manufacturing, digitalisation, productivity improvement, and skill upgradation, to help industries adapt to emerging global standards.

Trust Fund Agreement With UNIDO

On the occasion, a Trust Fund Agreement was signed between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and UNIDO, formalising India’s participation in the BCIC framework. The agreement was signed by Agrim Kaushal, Economic Adviser, DPIIT, and Dr. Cristiano Pasini, Director, UNIDO. This agreement provides the institutional and financial framework for India’s engagement with BCIC activities.

National Productivity Council As India’s Nodal Centre

The National Productivity Council has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. Under the policy guidance of DPIIT and with technical support from UNIDO, NPC will lead India’s engagement with BCIC. Its role will include capacity building, productivity enhancement, and promoting the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices among Indian industries, especially MSMEs.

Important Facts for Exams

• BCIC is a BRICS initiative focused on Industry 4.0 and manufacturing competencies.
• The centre operates in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
• India’s participation is coordinated by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The National Productivity Council is the designated India Centre for BCIC.

High-Level Participation And Strategic Significance

The event was presided over by DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia and attended by Director General of NPC Neerja Sekhar, senior officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of MSME, the Ministry of External Affairs, representatives of UNIDO, and industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. India’s entry into BCIC is expected to strengthen BRICS industrial collaboration and support the country’s manufacturing-led growth and productivity agenda.