The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo were held in Pune on Thursday, preceding the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting; the event saw the participation of representatives from governments, industry, academia, startups, and research institutions of BRICS member nations. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia welcomed the ministerial delegations from the member countries. An informal ministerial discussion among BRICS communications ministers also took place, centered on the theme: “Innovation, Cooperation, and Transformation (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
Digital BRICS Forum: A Multi-Stakeholder Platform
The Digital BRICS Forum serves as a multi-stakeholder platform within the BRICS ICT track; it was established during the 7th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India in 2021. Representatives from government, industry, educational institutions, startups, and research bodies deliberated on various issues related to digital development at the forum.
Scindia Welcomes Delegations
While welcoming the delegations, Jyotiraditya Scindia remarked that over the past few days, Pune has become a hub not merely for governments, but for the convergence of ideas, innovation, and shared aspirations. He noted that through the BRICS ICT Working Group, the Digital Public Infrastructure Focus Group, the Institute of Future Networks, the Digital BRICS Task Force, and the Digital BRICS Forum, experts and policymakers have worked on strategies to build an inclusive, secure, and robust digital ecosystem.
Discussions on Cybersecurity and Trusted ICT
Panel discussions on two key themes were held throughout the day at the forum. The first discussion focused on cybersecurity and trusted ICT, encompassing the online safety of children. Aspects of security and trust associated with digital transformation were deliberated upon. Ministers from BRICS nations emphasized adopting a balanced and holistic approach that harmonizes digital advancement with privacy, public interest, and the protection of vulnerable users.
Deliberations on a Sustainable Digital Ecosystem
The second panel focused on discussions regarding a sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystem. Discussions focused on meaningful and affordable connectivity for all, energy-efficient and climate-friendly digital infrastructure, and the role of emerging systems such as satellite and non-terrestrial networks.
India’s Distinct Digital Model
Speaking at a thematic panel, Union Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani highlighted the importance of a sustainable digital ecosystem. He noted that while the narrative of infrastructure development was defined for decades by roads, ports, and power grids, India now presents a unique story to the world—one centered on digital identity, banking, payments, documentation, consent-based data, and large-scale, sector-specific networks.
Emphasis on Open and Interoperable Architecture
Pemmasani stated that what makes India’s model internationally significant is not the innovation within a specific app, but its architectural philosophy. The model is open, interoperable, and capable of operating at scale. He explained that instead of building individual consumer applications, the government and its public institutions focus on creating foundational digital infrastructure.
Digital Empowerment and Security Must Go Hand-in-Hand
During a panel discussion on cybersecurity and trusted ICT, Amit Agarwal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, emphasized the need to advance digital empowerment and security simultaneously. He asserted that security, trust, and child safety should be integrated into the system’s design from the outset, rather than being addressed later as an afterthought or an additional measure.
Three Key Pillars of Digital Security
Agarwal outlined three key pillars for securing the digital landscape. First, building secure digital public infrastructure at the design stage. Second, making it legally mandatory for entities delivering digital content or collecting personal digital data to operate in a secure and trustworthy manner. Third, empowering citizens through legal frameworks and digital tools so they can protect their rights and effectively resolve grievances. BRICS Ministers Hold Informal Discussion
Subsequently, an informal ministerial discussion among BRICS Communications Ministers was held under India’s chairmanship as part of the ICT track, focusing on the theme “Innovation, Cooperation, and Transformation for a Resilient Future (ICT).” Deliberations centered on cooperation in the digital sector, innovation, and collaborative efforts to address future challenges.
Innovations Displayed at the Expo
Senior officials visited the Digital BRICS Forum Expo. The expo showcased innovations from startups, industries, and academic institutions across India and other BRICS nations. Its objective was to highlight emerging technologies and solutions within the digital and ICT sectors.
A Glimpse of Maharashtra’s Cultural Heritage
In the evening, a cultural program and dinner were organized for the delegations from BRICS member nations. The event showcased the cultural traditions of Maharashtra and India.
BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting Today
The 12th meeting of BRICS Communications Ministers is scheduled to take place in Pune on August 21, 2026. The meeting will focus on advancing cooperation among BRICS nations in the fields of communications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
