BRICS ICT Working Group Advances Cooperation Under India Presidency

26 May 2026 CW Team

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.

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.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Real Estate

29 Jul 2026

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Equipment

29 Jul 2026

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..