BRICS ICT meeting in Pune discusses AI, next-gen communications and digital ecosystem integration

Delegates from BRICS member countries discussed a range of issues including artificial intelligence nextgeneration communications Industry 40 and digital ecosystem integration at a meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies in Pune on MondayIndia 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 groupingThe inperson 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 cooperateIndia outlines priorities for BRICS ICT cooperationInaugurating the meeting Department of Telecommunications Secretary Amit Agrawal outlined Indias theme for the ICT Track Innovate Cooperate and Transform ICT for a Resilient FutureAgrawal 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 monthsSince 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 officialsThese 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 saidThe discussions are aimed at identifying areas of common interest and developing a shared approach towards emerging technologies and digital infrastructureArtificial intelligence and nextgeneration communications in focusDelegates from the member countries discussed several technologyrelated areas during the meeting including artificial intelligence nextgeneration communications Industry 40 electromagnetic field EMF exposure and digital ecosystem integrationThe 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 TrackIndustry 40 was also among the subjects discussed with delegates examining issues related to the use of digital technologies in industrial applicationsFuture Networks Council reviews national activitiesDuring the day the Council of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks reviewed activities undertaken by designated national branchesThe council also considered updates from study groups working on artificial intelligence nextgeneration communications Internet applications in Industry 40 and electromagnetic field exposureThe review provided an opportunity for participating countries to share updates on work being undertaken through the institute and its study groupsThe discussions also covered developments in emerging communication technologies and their potential applications across different sectorsWorking Group examines priorities and member inputsThe Working Group subsequently discussed priorities outlined in the Issues Note prepared by the chairshipParticipants considered questions under each of the four pillars and examined responses submitted by member countries through a survey questionnaireConcept notes submitted by participating countries were also taken up for discussionThe process is part of the broader effort under Indias BRICS chairship to consolidate the priorities of member countries and identify areas for further cooperation in information and communication technologiesDigital public infrastructure to be discussed nextThe BRICS ICT discussions will continue on Tuesday with meetings of the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure and the Digital BRICS Task ForceThe meetings are expected to take forward discussions on digital public infrastructure and other areas of cooperation within the BRICS digital agendaThe ICT Tracks 2026 meetings are being held under Indias 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 sectorWith inputs from PTI