India will host the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on August 21, 2026, under its BRICS Chairship. Communications Ministers and senior officials from BRICS member countries will participate in the meeting to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in information and communication technologies (ICTs), digital transformation, innovation and resilient digital infrastructure.
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will chair the meeting.
Focus on Digital Cooperation and Innovation
The meeting is being held under India’s broader BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The ICT Track carries the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
These themes reflect India’s focus on promoting inclusive, secure and sustainable digital development while strengthening technology partnerships among BRICS countries.
The discussions will cover several key areas, including emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, future-generation networks, cybersecurity, capacity building and inclusive digital connectivity.
Member countries are also expected to exchange best practices and explore practical areas of cooperation to accelerate digital transformation across BRICS nations and the wider Global South.
India’s ICT Priorities Under BRICS Chairship
During its BRICS Chairship, India has placed considerable emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the ICT sector. Key areas include resilient digital infrastructure, future networks, cybersecurity, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), technological innovation and capacity building.
The Department of Telecommunications has been leading discussions through the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs. The discussions include proposals for establishing BRICS Capacity Building Centres and expanding collaboration in emerging technologies.
Building on Previous BRICS Meeting
The 12th meeting will also take forward the areas of cooperation identified during the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting, held under Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025.
The previous meeting highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among BRICS countries in ICTs, digital public infrastructure and global digital governance.
Digital BRICS Forum Expo
As part of the programme, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will also hold a media briefing covering the discussions and key outcomes of the ministerial meeting.
The Union Minister will additionally visit the Digital BRICS Forum Expo, where digital technologies, innovations and solutions relevant to the BRICS ecosystem will be showcased.
The Expo will provide an opportunity to highlight India’s technological capabilities and encourage interaction and knowledge-sharing among participating countries, technology companies and other stakeholders.
Strengthening Digital Partnerships
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting is an important milestone in India’s BRICS Chairship and underlines the country’s focus on stronger international cooperation in the digital sector.
Greater collaboration in ICTs, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies can help BRICS countries build a more resilient, inclusive, secure and sustainable digital future, while also supporting digital development across the Global South.