New Delhi BRICS ICT Push Expands Digital Infrastructure

India has intensified its push for deeper digital coordination among BRICS nations, placing resilient telecom systems, secure public infrastructure and inclusive technology access at the centre of discussions under its 2026 presidency. Officials from member countries met virtually this week to examine how emerging economies can collectively strengthen digital infrastructure as cities and public services become increasingly dependent on connected systems. The meeting, organised by the Department of Telecommunications, comes at a time when governments across the Global South are facing mounting pressure to modernise networks while addressing digital inequality, cybersecurity threats and rising energy demand from data-driven infrastructure. For India, the conversation extends beyond technology diplomacy and into the broader question of how future cities will manage mobility, governance, utilities and economic growth through interconnected digital systems.

A major focus of the discussions was the development of trusted digital infrastructure capable of supporting public services, financial systems, healthcare delivery and urban administration. Policymakers highlighted that digital resilience is now inseparable from economic resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanising nations where millions continue to face unequal access to connectivity and digital services. Industry experts tracking infrastructure policy said the BRICS platform is increasingly evolving into a strategic forum for shaping alternative digital frameworks led by emerging economies. They noted that cooperation in telecom networks, cloud systems, data governance and digital public infrastructure could help reduce dependence on concentrated technology ecosystems while improving affordability and localisation.

India also proposed the creation of BRICS-focused institutional centres aimed at digital training, telecom research and technical collaboration. The initiative is expected to support workforce development in areas such as advanced communication systems, network resilience and future-ready telecom infrastructure. Urban planners and technology specialists believe such efforts could play an important role in preparing cities for AI-enabled services, integrated transport systems and digitally managed civic infrastructure. Another key issue raised during the meeting was online safety and secure digital environments, especially for children and vulnerable users. Delegates discussed the growing need for stronger cyber resilience and accountable digital governance as internet penetration expands across emerging economies. Officials acknowledged that rapid digital adoption without adequate safeguards could widen social vulnerabilities and expose public systems to operational risks.

The deliberations also reviewed the future of Digital Public Infrastructure models that support identity systems, payment platforms and document services. India’s experience in scaling digital platforms for public delivery has increasingly positioned it as a central voice in conversations around inclusive technology governance and affordable digital access. Experts observed that the expansion of digital infrastructure must also consider environmental sustainability. Data centres, telecom towers and high-capacity networks are energy-intensive assets, making renewable integration and efficient infrastructure planning critical for climate-conscious urban growth. The meeting concluded with a roadmap for future technical engagements, research collaboration and policy coordination among BRICS countries. As digital systems become embedded into everyday urban life, the success of such partnerships may increasingly shape how emerging economies build secure, inclusive and climate-resilient cities over the next decade.

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New Delhi BRICS ICT Push Expands Digital Infrastructure