India calls for stronger global tech collaboration at BRICS meet
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh says India has chosen ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’ as the theme of its BRICS Presidency in 2026
360° Perspective Analysis
Deep-dive into Geography, Polity, Economy, History, Environment & Social dimensions — AI-powered, on-demand
Context
At the 14th Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting held in Chennai, India, holding the BRICS Presidency for 2026, emphasized the need for stronger international collaboration in emerging technologies. Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, advocating for accessible, affordable, and sustainable technological advancements that benefit humanity and support the aspirations of the Global South.
UPSC Perspectives
International Relations
The grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) represents a significant portion of the global population and economic output, making it a crucial platform for promoting the interests of developing nations. India's emphasis on technological collaboration within this bloc reflects a broader strategy to shape global technology governance frameworks, which are currently dominated by Western nations. By fostering an open and inclusive innovation ecosystem, India aims to ensure that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology are not monopolized but rather serve the developmental needs of the Global South. This aligns with India's long-standing diplomatic objective of fostering South-South cooperation and advocating for equitable representation in international forums. UPSC candidates should understand the geopolitical implications of technological dominance and how India utilizes multilateral platforms like to counterbalance Western influence and secure its strategic interests in the digital age.
Science & Technology
The minister highlighted key Indian initiatives such as the , the , and the , showcasing India's proactive approach to developing capabilities in frontier technologies. These missions are critical for enhancing national security, driving economic growth, and solving complex societal challenges. The , for instance, aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technologies, which have transformative potential in secure communications, computing, and sensing. The is essential for building a robust high-performance computing infrastructure necessary for advanced research in climate modeling, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence. By sharing these experiences and inviting collaboration, India is positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation among developing nations. For UPSC, it is vital to track the progress, objectives, and societal impact of these national missions, as they form the core of India's STI strategy.
Economic
The integration of technology into economic strategies is central to India's vision of a sustainable and resilient economy. The reference to the expanding (DPI) ecosystem underscores India's success in utilizing technology for financial inclusion and efficient service delivery, exemplified by platforms like and UPI. India's pitch at the meeting emphasizes the economic necessity of technology transfer and shared research infrastructure to reduce the cost of innovation and accelerate development in member states. Promoting startup partnerships and talent mobility within the bloc can create new economic opportunities and drive inclusive growth. This approach contrasts with the often restrictive intellectual property regimes of developed nations. Understanding the role of technological innovation as a driver of economic transformation and the importance of cooperative frameworks in mitigating the costs of R&D is crucial for the Economics paper.