BRICS ICT Track 2026: Pune Hosts ICT Working Group Meeting
Why in News?
Pune, Maharashtra, hosted the five-day BRICS Information and Communication Technologies Track from 17 to 21 August 2026.
The 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs began on 17 August under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. India’s chairship theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
What is the BRICS ICT Track?
The BRICS ICT Track provides a platform for cooperation in information and communication technologies among member countries. Its areas include digital policy, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and cooperation in information and communication systems. The 2026 BRICS grouping comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Who Organised the Meeting?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organised the Pune meeting. Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, inaugurated the Working Group meeting on 17 August.
The Working Group reviewed priorities under India’s chairship. It also examined responses to a survey questionnaire circulated among BRICS members.
Key discussions covered:
- Inclusive digital environments.
- ICT start-ups.
- Digital skills.
- Trusted Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
- Emerging communication technologies.
- Digital cooperation among member countries.
What is Digital Public Infrastructure?
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to reusable digital systems that support public and private services.
Examples include digital identity, digital payments, and data-sharing platforms.
The BRICS discussions focus on developing trusted and inclusive digital ecosystems. Such cooperation can support digital access and innovation across member countries.
BRICS Institute of Future Networks
The BRICS Institute of Future Networks also held a Council meeting during the ICT Track.
The Council reviewed activities of national branches and considered updates from various study groups.
The discussions covered:
- Artificial intelligence.
- Next-generation communications.
- Industry 4.0 applications.
- Electromagnetic field exposure.
Related Information
The Digital BRICS Forum & Expo is scheduled for 20 August 2026 as part of the ICT Track.
The forum will focus on digital ecosystems and technology cooperation. It is scheduled before the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting.
Industry 4.0 refers to connected and automated industrial systems. It uses technologies such as data exchange, automation, artificial intelligence, and connected devices.
BRICS ICT Track 2026 Exam-Oriented Facts
- Event: BRICS Information and Communication Technologies Track 2026.
- Venue: Pune, Maharashtra.
- Dates: 17–21 August 2026.
- Working Group: 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs.
- Organiser: Department of Telecommunications.
- Inaugurated by: Amit Agrawal, Secretary, DoT.
- BRICS Chair: India, 2026.
- India’s Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
- BRICS Members: 11 countries.
- Major Areas: ICT policy, telecommunications, digital skills, start-ups and emerging technologies.
- DPI: Digital Public Infrastructure.
- BRICS Institute: BRICS Institute of Future Networks.
- Digital BRICS Forum & Expo: 20 August 2026.
- Key Technologies: AI, next-generation communications and Industry 4.0.
- Nodal Department: Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.
