BRICS Meetings in Pune: Global Tech Leaders to Discuss AI, Cybersecurity and Digital Future
Pune, 16th August 2026: Pune will host a series of high-level BRICS meetings on information and communication technologies (ICT) from August 17 to 21 as part of India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will organise the five-day ICT Track under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
The meetings are part of India’s wider BRICS programme, which includes discussions on key areas of cooperation across different locations in the country. BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The Pune programme will bring together Communications Ministers, senior government representatives and ICT specialists from BRICS countries to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in technology and build a secure, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem.
Three major events are scheduled as part of the ICT Track.
7th BRICS Working Group Meeting on Cooperation in ICTs
The programme will begin with the 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs, scheduled from August 17 to 19.
Discussions will focus on expanding universal, meaningful, affordable and sustainable digital connectivity, while strengthening the resilience of ICT infrastructure. Delegates will also examine issues related to trusted and secure digital environments, human-centric technology, digital skills and capacity building.
Other areas on the agenda include innovation, startups and entrepreneurship in ICT, artificial intelligence, next-generation communication technologies, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, child online protection and cooperation across digital ecosystems.
Digital BRICS Forum and Expo
The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo will be held on August 20, providing a platform to showcase cooperation and developments in emerging digital technologies and resilient ICT systems.
The forum will include panel discussions covering cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT, with a focus on child online protection, as well as sustainable and resilient digital and ICT ecosystems.
12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting
The ICT Track will conclude with the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on August 21.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia will represent India at the meeting. Communications Ministers from BRICS member countries are expected to discuss the priorities identified under the ICT Track and explore greater cooperation in sustainable and resilient ICT ecosystems.
The discussions will also cover cybersecurity and trustworthy ICT, digital skilling and capacity building, as well as innovation, startups and entrepreneurship.
The decision to hold these three major BRICS ICT events in Pune highlights India’s focus on expanding international collaboration in the technology sector. The meetings are also expected to provide a platform for discussions on digital innovation and technology-driven, inclusive and sustainable growth.
