India rolls out ICT track theme at BRICS meet

Pune, Aug 21 (AHN) Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Friday introduced the theme of 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future', and its four pillars — sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems; cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT; digital skilling and capacity building; and innovation, startups and entrepreneurship at the BRICS ministerial meeting here.

In his address on the occasion of the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting, Scindia said: "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."

"Today, the world stands at the cusp of a profound technological transformation. AI, Next Gen Networks, SATCOM, Cloud Computing and advanced Digital Infrastructure are reshaping economics and societies. We must ensure that innovation remains secure, inclusive, sustainable and people-centric," the minister added.

The Heads of Ministerial delegations of BRICS countries also delivered their speeches in the meeting. India extended its appreciation to all member countries for their engagement during the Chairship year and its support to the incoming Chair.

Addressing a press briefing, the minister outlined the key outcomes and global impact of the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting.

"We have prepared comprehensive discussions and priorities that will shape our future ICT cooperation within BRICS. Eight pillars in particular: - 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 and Digital Scaling and Enhanced Cooperation amongst our BRICS countries. BRICS has a growing role to play in the global forum, considering half of humanity lies in this region, and two-fifths of the world's economy lies in this region," Scindia said.

"India's transformation led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade has been monumental," he remarked.

The ministers later visited the Digital BRICS Forum Expo, exploring interactive showcases and cutting-edge telecom solutions presented by domestic and international tech enterprises. The event concluded with an official excursion for the visiting delegates, highlighting Pune’s rich cultural heritage.