18 August,2026 07:30 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
India hosted the seventh meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as part of its 2026 chairship of the grouping. File Photo
Delegates from BRICS member countries discussed a range of issues, including artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Industry 4.0 and digital ecosystem integration, at a meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies in Pune on Monday.
India hosted the seventh meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as part of its 2026 chairship of the grouping.
The in-person meetings under the BRICS ICT Track are being held around the theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", with discussions focused on emerging technologies and areas where member countries can cooperate.
Inaugurating the meeting, Department of Telecommunications Secretary Amit Agrawal outlined India's theme for the ICT Track -- "Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future".
Agrawal said the meeting marked the start of an important week of discussions under the BRICS ICT Track and represented the continuation of work that member countries had been carrying out over several months.
Since India assumed the chairship of the BRICS ICT Track earlier this year, member countries have held successive working group meetings, thematic webinars and exchanges involving experts and government officials.
"These engagements have enabled us to share experiences, build a common understanding of our priorities and collectively shape the agenda before us today," the IAS officer said.
The discussions are aimed at identifying areas of common interest and developing a shared approach towards emerging technologies and digital infrastructure.
Delegates from the member countries discussed several technology-related areas during the meeting, including artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Industry 4.0, electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and digital ecosystem integration.
The discussions covered both technological developments and issues related to their wider application. Emerging communication technologies and digital systems are increasingly being used across industries, making cooperation on standards, policy and implementation a key area for countries participating in the ICT Track.
Industry 4.0 was also among the subjects discussed, with delegates examining issues related to the use of digital technologies in industrial applications.
During the day, the Council of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks reviewed activities undertaken by designated national branches.
The council also considered updates from study groups working on artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Internet applications in Industry 4.0 and electromagnetic field exposure.
The review provided an opportunity for participating countries to share updates on work being undertaken through the institute and its study groups.
The discussions also covered developments in emerging communication technologies and their potential applications across different sectors.
The Working Group subsequently discussed priorities outlined in the Issues Note prepared by the chairship.
Participants considered questions under each of the four pillars and examined responses submitted by member countries through a survey questionnaire.
Concept notes submitted by participating countries were also taken up for discussion.
The process is part of the broader effort under India's BRICS chairship to consolidate the priorities of member countries and identify areas for further cooperation in information and communication technologies.
The BRICS ICT discussions will continue on Tuesday with meetings of the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure and the Digital BRICS Task Force.
The meetings are expected to take forward discussions on digital public infrastructure and other areas of cooperation within the BRICS digital agenda.
The ICT Track's 2026 meetings are being held under India's chairship and are intended to provide a platform for member countries to exchange experiences, discuss emerging technologies and work towards greater cooperation in the digital sector.
(With inputs from PTI)
