As part of India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will lead and organise the BRICS ICT Track (Information and Communication Technologies Track) in Pune from 17 to 21 August 2026, under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.” This will be a part of a series of meetings on key areas being held across the country under the BRICS platform. BRICS brings together eleven major emerging markets and developing countries of the world: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.

The five-day ICT Track will bring together Communications Ministers, senior government officials and ICT experts from BRICS member countries to strengthen cooperation in information and communication technologies and advance a secure, inclusive and resilient digital future. Three key events will be organised during this period:

7^th Meeting of the BRICS Working group for Cooperation in ICTs | 17–19 August 2026

The programme will commence with the 7^th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting, being held from 17 to 19 August 2026. Delegates will deliberate on key priority areas such as Developing ICT Ecosystems for Universal, Meaningful, Affordable, Sustainable and Resilient Connectivity, Trusted, Secure and Human-Centric Digital Environments, Digital Skills and Capacity Development for inclusive growth and Strengthening Innovation, Startups and Entrepreneurship in ICT including Artificial Intelligence, next-generation communications, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, child online protection and digital ecosystem cooperation.

Digital BRICS Forum and Expo | 20 August 2026

On 20 August 2026, India will host the Digital BRICS Forum and Expo, providing a platform for discussions and showcasing cooperation in emerging digital technologies and resilient ICT ecosystems.

The Forum will feature thematic panel discussions on Cybersecurity and Trustworthy ICTs, including Child Online Protection, and Sustainable and Resilient Digital and ICT Ecosystems.

12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting | 21 August 2026

The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting will be held on 21 August 2026. Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will participate in this meeting from the Indian side. Ministers from BRICS member countries are expected to deliberate on the priorities of the BRICS ICT Track and advance cooperation in Sustainable & Resilient ICT Ecosystems, Cybersecurity & Trustworthy ICT, Digital Skilling & Capacity Building and Innovation, Startups & Entrepreneurship.

The hosting of these three key events in Pune under India’s BRICS Chairship reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in ICT, fostering digital innovation and promoting technology-led, sustainable and inclusive growth.

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NJ/ARJ