12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting 2026, Significance

12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting 2026 will be organised by India on 21 August 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra, under its BRICS Chairmanship. The meeting is part of the BRICS Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Track and will focus on how BRICS countries can work together to improve digital connectivity, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

About the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting

The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting is a ministerial-level meeting under the BRICS ICT Track. The meeting will bring together Communications Ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries to deliberate on strengthening cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), digital transformation, innovation and resilient digital infrastructure.

• Host: India
• Date: 21 August 2026
• Venue: Pune, Maharashtra
• Chair: Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications
• Organizing Body: The meeting is being organized specifically by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
• Focus: Information and Communication Technologies, digital transformation, innovation and resilient digital infrastructure
• India’s BRICS Chairship theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
• ICT Track theme: “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”

The meeting built upon the outcomes of the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting, held under Brazil’s Chairship in 2025, which had reaffirmed continued cooperation among BRICS members on ICT, digital public infrastructure and global digital governance. 

BRICS ICT Track 2026

The BRICS ICT Track is the platform where BRICS countries discuss cooperation in telecommunications and digital technology. Before the ministerial meeting, officials and experts discuss issues and these discussions provide the technical groundwork for cooperation and decisions at the ministerial level. Under India’s 2026 Chairship, it focuses on building a resilient, secure and inclusive digital future.

The BRICS ICT Track 2026 is being organised in Pune from 17-21 August 2026. 

• From 17-19 August, the BRICS Working Group on Cooperation in ICTs  discussed future networks, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
• On 20 August, the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo brought together governments, industry, startups and experts to showcase technologies and exchange ideas.
• India also proposed BRICS Capacity Building Centres to support technical training, skilling, knowledge sharing and capacity development in emerging technologies
• On 21 August, the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting will take these discussions to the ministerial level.

Why is the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting being held?

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has created new opportunities for economic development, but it has also increased challenges related to cybersecurity, digital exclusion, technological dependence and the resilience of communication networks.

The meeting will focus on the following areas: 

• Digital Public Infrastructure: Sharing experiences and best practices in population-scale digital systems.
• Future Networks: Cooperation on next-generation networks, including 5G and 6G.
• Cybersecurity: Promoting safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystems.
• Emerging Technologies: Strengthening cooperation in new and rapidly developing technologies.
• Capacity Building: Developing technical skills and institutional capabilities among BRICS countries.
• Inclusive Connectivity: Expanding affordable digital access, particularly across the Global South.

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Significance for India and BRICS

The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting 2026 is significant as it seeks to strengthen digital cooperation among BRICS countries and support a more resilient, inclusive and secure digital future.

• Stronger Global South cooperation: It strengthens India’s role in promoting ICT cooperation and digital development among BRICS countries and other developing economies.
• Sharing India’s digital experience: India can share its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), digital transformation and emerging technologies.
• Better technical cooperation: The meeting strengthens the BRICS Working Group on ICTs by linking technical discussions with ministerial-level cooperation.
• Showcasing Indian technology: The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo provides a platform to showcase India’s digital technologies and innovations and promote interaction among stakeholders.
• Safer digital systems: Cooperation in cybersecurity, future networks and digital infrastructure can help BRICS countries build more secure and resilient digital systems.
• More inclusive connectivity: Greater cooperation can help expand affordable digital connectivity and support digital transformation across the Global South.