**Executive Summary**
On 21 May 2026, the Department of Telecommunications of India hosted the second virtual meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in digital technologies, cybersecurity, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to foster inclusive growth across the Global South. Key outcomes included the introduction of a roadmap for upcoming ministerial meetings and the presentation of a Concept Note for BRICS Capacity Building Centres.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Meeting Themes and Objectives**
* The meeting was held under India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
* The specific ICT Track theme was “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
* Discussions centered on bridging the digital divide, promoting innovation-led growth, and ensuring affordable, meaningful connectivity for emerging economies.
**Strategic Initiatives and Proposals**
* **Capacity Building:** India presented a Concept Note to establish BRICS Capacity Building Centres to facilitate skilling, technical training, research cooperation, and knowledge exchange.
* **Safety and Cooperation:** Detailed proposals were discussed regarding "Child Online Protection" and the strengthening of BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation.
* **Infrastructure and Domains:** Deliberations focused on trusted digital infrastructure, secure connectivity, and safe digital environments.
**Operational Frameworks and Future Roadmap**
* Progress was reviewed for the BRICS Institute for Future Networks (BIFN), the Digital BRICS Task Force (DBTF), and the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
* A roadmap was established for future engagements, including webinars, technical discussions, and ministerial meetings.
* Future collaborative activities will prioritize AI in telecom, digital transformation, and future networks innovation.
**Impact Analysis**
**BRICS Member Countries**
**Impact**
Member nations benefit from a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in emerging digital domains and the development of resilient digital societies.
**Action Required**
Members must participate in the scheduled roadmap of engagements, including technical discussions and ministerial meetings, to advance the ICT Track objectives.
**The Global South and Emerging Economies**
**Impact**
These regions are positioned to receive support for inclusive digital growth, enhanced public service delivery, and better access to affordable connectivity.
**Action Required**
Stakeholders should prepare to engage with the proposed BRICS Capacity Building Centres for skilling and technical training.
**Department of Telecommunications (India)**
**Impact**
As the lead organizer under India’s Presidency, the Department has successfully advanced initiatives on future networks and digital cooperation.
**Action Required**
The Department must continue to head the Working Group and coordinate the upcoming collaborative activities, such as AI-focused webinars and institutional strengthening programs.
Key Entities Referenced
BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs: The primary multilateral forum for coordinating digital technologies, future networks, and innovation ecosystems among BRICS nations.
Department of Telecommunications: The Indian government department responsible for organizing and heading the second meeting of the BRICS Working Group under India's 2026 presidency.
BRICS Capacity Building Centres: An initiative presented by India to establish collaborative institutional mechanisms for skilling, research, and technical training in emerging digital technologies.
BRICS Institute for Future Networks (BIFN): A specialized body within the BRICS framework dedicated to activities and cooperation concerning the evolution of telecom networks.
Digital BRICS Task Force (DBTF): A focused task force involved in deliberations regarding secure connectivity, digital infrastructure, and ecosystem cooperation.
Ministry of Communications
Department of Telecommunications organized
Second Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for
Cooperation in ICTs under India’s BRICS
Presidency 2026
India advances initiatives on BRICS Capacity Building
Centres, Future Networks and Digital Cooperation for the
Global South
Discussions focus on resilient digital infrastructure,
cybersecurity, future networks, Digital Public Infrastructure
and inclusive digital transformation
Posted On: 22 MAY 2026 7:31PM by PIB Delhi
Under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026, Department of Telecommunications successfully organized and
headed the Second Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) held in virtual mode on 21 May 2026. The meeting reflected the
shared commitment of BRICS nations towards strengthening cooperation in digital technologies, future
networks, innovation ecosystems, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and capacity building for
sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth.
The meeting brought together representatives and senior officials from BRICS member countries to
deliberate on strengthening cooperation in the ICT sector. Held under the overarching theme of India’s
BRICS Presidency — “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” — and
the ICT Track theme — “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future” — the
discussions focused on collaborative approaches for bridging the digital divide, promoting innovation-led
growth, enhancing digital resilience, and ensuring affordable and meaningful connectivity across
emerging economies.India highlighted the importance of trusted digital infrastructure, institutional capacity building, and
technology partnerships among BRICS nations. India emphasized that cooperation in ICT is critical for
empowering citizens, enhancing public service delivery, enabling innovation, and accelerating inclusive
development across the Global South.
A key highlight of the meeting was India’s presentation of the Concept Note on BRICS Capacity Building
Centres under the BRICS ICT Track. The initiative aims to establish collaborative institutional
mechanisms for skilling, knowledge exchange, technical training, research cooperation, and capacity
development in emerging digital and telecom technologies among BRICS member countries.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on proposals relating to Child Online Protection and
strengthening BRICS Digital Ecosystem Cooperation. Member countries emphasized the growing
importance of secure and trusted connectivity, resilient digital infrastructure, safe digital environments,
and enhanced cooperation in emerging digital domains.
Extensive deliberations were held on activities under the BRICS Institute for Future Networks (BIFN), the
Digital BRICS Task Force (DBTF), and the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).The Working Group also reviewed progress on ongoing BRICS ICT cooperation initiatives and discussed
the roadmap for upcoming engagements under the BRICS ICT Track, including webinars, technical
discussions, ministerial meetings, and collaborative activities focused on digital transformation, AI in
telecom, future networks innovation, and institutional strengthening.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among BRICS member countries to deepen
cooperation in ICTs through collaborative innovation, institutional partnerships, trusted digital
infrastructure, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing mechanisms. The discussions are expected to
further contribute towards advancing resilient digital societies, fostering inclusive digital growth, and
supporting sustainable development objectives across BRICS nations and the wider Global South.
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