New Delhi: India is set to host the BRICS Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Track in Pune from August 17 to 21, bringing together communications ministers, senior government officials and technology experts from BRICS member countries to strengthen cooperation in digital technologies.
Organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026, the five-day programme will focus on building secure, inclusive, sustainable and resilient digital ecosystems. The theme of the programme is “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
The ICT Track will feature three major events: the 7th BRICS Working Group Meeting for Cooperation in ICTs from August 17 to 19, the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo on August 20, and the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on August 21.
Discussions during the working group meeting are expected to cover universal and affordable digital connectivity, digital skills and capacity building, innovation and entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, digital public infrastructure and cybersecurity.
The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo will provide a platform for showcasing emerging technologies and exploring opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation and resilient ICT ecosystems. Cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT systems, including child online protection, will also be among the key areas of discussion.
The ministerial meeting on August 21 is expected to focus on sustainable and resilient ICT ecosystems, cybersecurity, digital skilling, capacity building, innovation, startups and entrepreneurship. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will represent India at the meeting.
The Pune programme assumes significance as India seeks to use its 2026 BRICS Chairship to promote deeper technology partnerships among emerging economies. With digital infrastructure, AI and cybersecurity becoming increasingly important to economic growth and national resilience, the ICT Track is expected to provide a platform for BRICS countries to exchange experiences and explore practical areas of cooperation.
The initiative also reflects India’s broader push to strengthen international partnerships in ICT while promoting a secure, inclusive and technology-driven digital future.