Policy Update
Viksha Adhinarayanan
Abstract
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting, held in Pune on 21 August 2026 under India’s Chairship, marked a significant milestone through advancing cooperation on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) among BRICS nations. It was chaired by the Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the meeting focused on the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.” This led to the discussions that were centered on building sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystems, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting digital skilling, and fostering innovation through startups and entrepreneurship. Thus, the deliberations highlighted the growing importance of digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and next‑generation networks in shaping the future of the Global South.
Beyond these broad themes, the meeting produced concrete outcomes that signal a shift from rhetoric to implementation. Ministers agreed to establish a BRICS Digital Cooperation Forum as a follow‑up mechanism to coordinate projects and share best practices. Commitments were made to expand cross‑border connectivity initiatives, strengthen cybersecurity frameworks through joint task forces, and support startup ecosystems by creating innovation hubs across member states. The meeting also endorsed pilot programs for digital skills training and pledged to harmonize regulatory standards for emerging technologies, ensuring interoperability and inclusivity.
These outcomes distinguish the Pune meeting as more than a symbolic milestone, it laid the groundwork for measurable cooperation, institutional mechanisms, and accountability structures. By embedding these commitments within BRICS’ broader agenda, the grouping signaled its intent to translate digital aspirations into tangible results that can empower citizens, enhance competitiveness, and reduce dependency on external technological powers.
Where India’s leadership emphasized bridging the digital divide, enhancing resilience, and positioning BRICS as a collective force in global digital governance. Furthermore, the meeting also showcased India’s technological capabilities through the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo. where ultimately, the Pune meeting reinforced BRICS’ role in shaping a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future, while underlining India’s strategic imperative to lead South-South cooperation in ICTs.
Keywords
BRICS, Digital Transformation, ICT Cooperation, Global South, Cybersecurity, Digital Public Infrastructure, Multilateralism
1. Introduction
The BRICS grouping, which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with its expanded members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, has increasingly recognized Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a foundation for collective economic growth, social inclusion, and geopolitical influence. Where in an era of rapid digital transformation, cooperation in ICTs has become central to BRICS’ collective agenda.
The 12th Communications Ministers’ Meeting, was held in Pune on 21 August 2026 under India’s Chairship, that reflected this strategic shift by situating ICTs at the heart of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. It also convened against a backdrop of global debates on digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, where the meeting emphasized the need for inclusive digital ecosystems, equitable access, and South-South solidarity. Henceforth, India’s leadership showcased its digital public infrastructure model as a pathway to bridge divides and empower citizens.
2. Context
- Date & Venue: 21 August 2026, Pune, India.
- Chair: Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
- Theme: “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
- Framework: Part of India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Participants: Communications Ministers and senior representatives from BRICS nations.
- Associated Events: Digital BRICS Forum and Expo (20–21 August), BRICS Working Group on ICTs, Institute of Future Networks, and Digital BRICS Task Force.
3. Analysis
3.1 Geopolitical and Strategic Shifts
- BRICS nations represent two-fifths of the global economy and half of humanity, making ICT cooperation geopolitically significant.
- The meeting underscored BRICS’ ambition to play a more active role in shaping global digital governance by seeking greater representation in international standard‑setting bodies and multilateral forums. Ministers emphasized the need to harmonize regulatory approaches across member states and proposed the creation of joint working groups on cybersecurity, digital trade, and emerging technologies. These commitments reflect BRICS’ collective effort to ensure that the perspectives of the Global South are integrated into global digital frameworks, which have historically been dominated by Western institutions. Rather than simply opposing existing standards, BRICS articulated a vision of inclusivity, advocating for equitable access, interoperability, and the recognition of diverse developmental priorities. In this way, the Pune meeting positioned BRICS not only as a bloc with geopolitical weight but also as a coalition striving to democratize digital governance by embedding South‑South cooperation into the global digital order.
- Where the emerging technologies like AI, satellite communications, and cloud computing were framed as tools for strategic autonomy and South-South solidarity.
3.2 Economic Implications and Opportunities
- The ICT cooperation promised in the expansion of digital markets across BRICS, enhancing trade and innovation.
- The Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives can reduce transaction costs, foster entrepreneurship, and support inclusive growth.
- Where the Digital BRICS Forum has showcased opportunities for cross-border investment in telecom and digital startups.
3.3 Challenges and Structural Impediments
- The Digital divide persists across BRICS, with uneven access to broadband and advanced technologies.
- The Cybersecurity vulnerabilities and lack of harmonized standards pose risks to trust and resilience.
- Where Institutional fragmentation leads to the different regulatory frameworks and levels of digital maturity that may hinder seamless cooperation.
3.4 India’s Role and Strategic Imperatives
- India has emphasized in bridging the digital divide, guided by its Digital India vision.
- By Showcasing the leadership in digital skilling, DPI, and resilient infrastructure.
- This position of the model for the Global South, leads in leveraging its experience in scalable digital platforms (e.g., Aadhaar, UPI).
- By Advocating people-centric, secure, and sustainable innovation.
4. Policy Recommendations
To translate deliberations into measurable outcomes, BRICS should adopt the following strategies:
1. Strengthen Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
The Digital Public Infrastructure emerged as one of the transformative models for inclusive growth, particularly in India through platforms like Aadhaar and UPI. Where BRICS, interoperable DPI frameworks would enable secure, low-cost, and scalable digital services across borders. That would strategically reduce dependency on Western‑controlled platforms by diversifying the digital ecosystem rather than attempting complete substitution. In practice, this means encouraging the use of alternative payment systems, cloud services, and digital public infrastructure developed within BRICS, thereby broadening technological choices and reducing reliance on a single set of standards. However, diversification carries its own risks: new dependencies may emerge if member states rely too heavily on infrastructure or technology providers concentrated within BRICS itself.
To avoid replicating asymmetries, the bloc must balance innovation with interoperability, ensuring that South‑South digital trade and financial inclusion are strengthened without creating fresh vulnerabilities. A BRICS DPI Council could be set up to harmonize standards, ensure interoperability, and promote shared innovation. Yet, achieving interoperability across countries with different data‑protection laws, ID systems, and regulatory frameworks will be complex. The council’s role must also be clarified—whether it serves as an advisory platform for dialogue or a decision‑making body with binding authority—since this distinction will determine how far cooperation can realistically go without infringing on national sovereignty.
2. Enhance Cybersecurity Cooperation
Cybersecurity is both a technical and geopolitical challenge. Where BRICS nations face increasing cyber threats, ranging from ransomware to state-sponsored attacks. A BRICS Cybersecurity Task Force could develop shared standards, conduct joint cyber drills, and establish rapid‑response mechanisms. To make cooperation practical while respecting differences in national cybersecurity laws and information‑sharing restrictions, the task force could adopt a phased approach. Initial steps might include joint training exercises and voluntary incident‑reporting protocols, which build trust without requiring sensitive data exchange. Over time, these measures could evolve into more structured frameworks, ensuring collaboration strengthens resilience while preserving national sovereignty. Which would build trust in ICT ecosystems, reduce vulnerabilities, and position BRICS as a collective voice in global cyber governance.
3. Promote Digital Skilling and Capacity Building
The digital economy requires a workforce equipped with advanced skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Thus, the BRICS should establish Capacity Building Centres across member states, focusing on youth and professionals. The proposed centres could help bridge skills gaps, but their impact depends on curriculum quality, accessibility, and labour‑market relevance. Targeting priority groups like youth and women, using delivery mechanisms such as vocational institutes or online platforms, and tracking indicators like completion rates and employment outcomes would make them more effective in reducing unemployment and fostering innovation.
4. Support Innovation and Startups
Innovation ecosystems are critical for economic dynamism. A BRICS Innovation Fund could provide seed capital for cross-border startups, particularly in fintech, healthtech, and agritech. To foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and reduce reliance on external venture capital.
Conclusion
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting that was held in Pune marked a decisive step in embedding ICT cooperation within BRICS’ strategic agenda. By focusing on resilience, inclusivity, and innovation, the meeting highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies for the Global South. Where India’s leadership underscored the importance of bridging divides and fostering people-centric digital ecosystems. Yet, the success of these commitments will depend on measurable implementation. While the meeting prioritized expanding connectivity, strengthening cybersecurity, and supporting startups, the author’s recommendations go further, calling for clear indicators such as broadband penetration, cybersecurity readiness, and startup funding levels. A follow‑up mechanism, like annual BRICS digital progress reports, would provide accountability and ensure these priorities translate into tangible outcomes.
Furthermore, when viewed more critically, the Pune meeting revealed that ICT is no longer a peripheral issue but a central pillar of geopolitical and economic strategy. In the early years of BRICS cooperation, ICT discussions were largely confined to capacity-building, infrastructure expansion, and bridging the digital divide. However, the Pune meeting demonstrated a significant evolution in priorities, with greater emphasis on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, data governance, and the development of independent digital ecosystems. The focus on equitable access and South-South collaboration reflects a conscious attempt by BRICS to challenge the dominance of Western-led digital frameworks.
This signals a shift toward multipolar digital governance, where emerging economies increasingly seek to define standards and norms that align with their developmental priorities rather than merely adapting to existing global frameworks. At the same time, the path ahead remains fraught with structural impediments, including uneven digital infrastructure across member states, regulatory fragmentation, varying levels of technological capacity, and limited financing mechanisms for large-scale digital initiatives.
References
- Press Information Bureau. (2026, August 20). 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting to be held on 21st August 2026. Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2302144®=3&lang=1
- Akashvani News. (2026, August 20). 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting to be held on 21st August 2026. https://newsonair.gov.in/12th-brics-communications-ministers-meeting-to-be-held-on-21st-august-2026/
- Akashvani News. (2026, August 21). India to host 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune. https://newsonair.gov.in/india-to-host-12th-brics-communications-ministers-meeting-in-pune/
- DD India. (2026, August 21). Scindia chairs 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune, calls for sustainable and inclusive digital future. https://ddindia.co.in/2026/08/scindia-chairs-12th-brics-communications-ministers-meeting-in-pune-calls-for-sustainable-and-inclusive-digital-future/
- BRICS India 2026. (2026, August 21). 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held on 21 August 2026. https://www.brics2026.gov.in/events/12th-brics-communications-ministers-meeting-held-on-21-august-2026/
- Department of Telecommunications. (2026, August). Press Release: 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting. Government of India. https://www.dot.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/08/a2f4f2fb15cbd726ccd4d75700b883fd.pdf
About the Author:
Viksha A is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at Loyola College, Chennai, and serves as a Research & Editorial Intern at IMPRI. She is passionate about public policy research and writing, with interests in governance, social impact, and contributing to evidence-based policy discussions through research and informed analysis.
Acknowledgement
The author extends sincere thanks to the IMPRI team for their guidance.
Name of the Reviewers:
Prisha Sachdeva and Khushi
Disclaimer
All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
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