As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, innovation, digital cooperation and inclusive technology are emerging as key priorities of its BRICS Chairship. India has used its Chairship to promote cooperation in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, startups, scientific research, and women’s participation in technology and entrepreneurship.
The Summit will be held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Humanity First”. This will be India’s 4th time hosting the BRICS Summit, following the 2012, 2016 and 2021 editions.
India has highlighted its digital public infrastructure ecosystem, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), as examples of affordable, scalable and inclusive digital solutions. Technology has also remained a focus across Ministerial and Working-Group Meetings held during the year.
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting, hosted by India in August, focused on Artificial Intelligence, cloud technologies, digital governance and resilient communication networks.
India has also pushed Innovation and Entrepreneurship cooperation through initiatives including the proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund and BRICS Startup Innovation Network. These initiatives seek to create more opportunities for startups, investors and innovation ecosystems across member countries.
The proposed BRICS Science and Research Repository aims to support research capability sharing and strengthen scientific cooperation among BRICS nations.
Women’s participation in technology and entrepreneurship has also received greater attention. The BRICS Women Working Group has been working on policy cooperation around digital inclusion and women’s entrepreneurship. The BRICS Women’s Startup Contest, organised through the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, aims to identify and support women-led ventures in sustainability, innovation and technology.
The Women in Innovation, Science and Entrepreneurship (WISE) initiative focuses on Innovation & Collaboration, Access to Funding, and Policy Advocacy. It seeks to address gender equity gaps and structural barriers limiting women’s participation and leadership in STEM and entrepreneurship.
The upcoming Summit is expected to bring BRICS leaders together to discuss innovation in the artificial intelligence era, digital cooperation, scientific collaboration and inclusive growth. Against rapid technological change and evolving global challenges, member countries are expected to explore ways to use technology and innovation to build resilient, sustainable and inclusive economies.
Through its Chairship, India has sought to position BRICS as a platform not only for economic and geo-political cooperation, but also for practical partnerships in emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, startups, scientific research and inclusive innovation.
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