The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will host the BRICS ICT Track in Pune from August 17 to 21 as part of India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026, bringing together Communications Ministers, senior government officials and technology experts from member countries to strengthen cooperation in information and communication technologies.
The five-day programme will be held under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future” and will focus on building secure, inclusive, sustainable and resilient digital ecosystems.
BRICS currently comprises 11 emerging and developing economies – Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The ICT Track will feature three major events: the 7th BRICS Working Group Meeting for Cooperation in ICTs, the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo, and the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting.
BRICS ICT Working Group to discuss digital cooperation
The programme will begin with the 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting, scheduled from August 17 to 19.
Delegates will deliberate on developing ICT ecosystems that enable universal, meaningful, affordable, sustainable and resilient connectivity. Discussions will also cover trusted, secure and human-centric digital environments, digital skills and capacity development, and strengthening innovation, startups and entrepreneurship in the ICT sector.
Emerging technologies and areas including artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, child online protection and digital ecosystem cooperation are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Digital BRICS Forum and Expo on August 20
The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo will be held on August 20, providing a platform to showcase cooperation in emerging digital technologies and resilient ICT ecosystems.
The forum will feature thematic discussions on cybersecurity and trustworthy ICTs, including child online protection, as well as sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems.
Communications Ministers to meet on August 21
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting will be held on August 21, with Union Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia representing India.
Communications Ministers from BRICS countries are expected to review the priorities of the ICT Track and explore ways to deepen cooperation in sustainable and resilient ICT ecosystems, cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT, digital skilling and capacity building, and innovation, startups and entrepreneurship.
The hosting of the ICT Track in Pune is part of India’s broader efforts under its 2026 BRICS Chairship to strengthen international cooperation in technology and digital development.
The Ministry of Communications said the programme reflects India’s commitment to promoting digital innovation and technology-led, sustainable and inclusive growth, while working with BRICS partners to build a resilient digital future.
