The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under India’s BRICS Presidency organised the second meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in virtual mode on 21 May 2026. Senior representatives from BRICS member countries participated to deliberate on enhanced cooperation in digital technologies and future networks. The session was framed within India’s Presidency theme of building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability and the ICT track emphasis on innovating and transforming for a resilient future. The meeting emphasised collaborative approaches for inclusive digital growth.

Participants focused on resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, future networks, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and capacity building for sustainable socio-economic development across the Global South. Delegates explored measures to bridge the digital divide, promote innovation-led growth and ensure affordable meaningful connectivity. Attention was drawn to institutional partnerships and trusted technology ecosystems as enablers of improved public service delivery and citizen empowerment. The discussions underlined the importance of coordinated technical and policy responses.

A principal outcome was India’s presentation of a concept note proposing BRICS Capacity Building Centres to facilitate skilling, knowledge exchange, technical training, research cooperation and institutional capacity development among member countries. The Working Group also examined proposals on child online protection and mechanisms to strengthen the BRICS digital ecosystem for secure and trusted connectivity. Deliberations reviewed activities under the BRICS Institute for Future Networks (BIFN), the Digital BRICS Task Force (DBTF) and the Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure.

The meeting reviewed progress on ongoing ICT cooperation initiatives and mapped a roadmap for upcoming engagements including webinars, technical discussions and ministerial meetings focused on AI in telecom and future networks innovation. Delegates committed to deepen cooperation through collaborative innovation, institutional partnerships and knowledge sharing to advance resilient digital societies and inclusive growth. The discussions are expected to further contribute towards sustainable development objectives across BRICS nations and the wider Global South.