The BRICS AI open source community is a proposed scheme for an open-source Artificial Intelligence ecosystem among BRICS member nations, first announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 13, 2026, at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. The initiative was proposed as part of a five-point plan to boost cooperation in technology, manufacturing, and trade among the bloc. The core problem it aims to solve is offering an accessible, cost-effective alternative to proprietary AI systems, which are largely controlled by American companies.
China proposed to be the pioneer in establishing this community. The mechanism involves supporting cooperation in developing and applying large language models (LLMs), holding specialized AI seminars and training courses, and building an open ecosystem for AI. A related proposal included establishing a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform for technology exchange and digital skills development. The concept connects to the broader geopolitical competition in technology, positioning Chinese-led open-source models as an alternative to Western proprietary models. It is also related to the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), a Beijing-founded body that aims to set global rules for digital infrastructure.
The proposal is a recent development and has not been formally adopted as a BRICS-wide program. The joint declaration issued after the September 2026 summit, known as the New Delhi Declaration, did not mention the specific open-source community or cloud platform. Instead, the declaration committed BRICS countries to broader cooperation on improving access to AI resources, while focusing on safety, security, reliability, and inclusiveness. For India, the proposal presents a strategic dilemma, as adopting a China-led AI network could shift dependence from US proprietary models to Chinese ecosystems, raising concerns about digital sovereignty and data security, contrasting with India's domestic IndiaAI Mission.