Chennai, Aug 22:
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Friday called for collective global efforts to make innovation more accessible, affordable, trusted and sustainable, as he inaugurated the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting in Chennai.
Welcoming delegates from BRICS member countries, Singh said India had chosen “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” as the theme of its BRICS Presidency in 2026.
He said the theme reflected the shared belief that science, technology and innovation should enhance resilience, promote inclusive growth and sustainable development, and foster equitable partnerships among nations.
Pointing to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, geospatial technologies and high-performance computing, Singh said emerging technologies offered unprecedented opportunities but also required stronger international cooperation.
He said BRICS, with its large population, scientific talent and expanding research capabilities, was well positioned to build a cooperative and responsible innovation ecosystem.
Singh said BRICS STI cooperation had evolved into a strong platform covering research collaboration, innovation partnerships, young scientist exchanges, research infrastructure and thematic working groups. During India’s presidency, a comprehensive review of BRICS STI priorities was being undertaken to align cooperation with emerging technological frontiers and societal needs.
Highlighting India’s initiatives, he referred to the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, BioE3 Policy, National Geospatial Policy and the expanding Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem.
He invited BRICS partners to explore deeper cooperation in frontier research, innovation financing, talent mobility, research infrastructure sharing, startup partnerships and capacity building.
Such collaboration, he said, could help create a future-ready BRICS STI framework capable of addressing global challenges while supporting the aspirations of the Global South.
Singh expressed confidence that the Chennai deliberations would further strengthen BRICS cooperation and contribute to building a more innovative, resilient and sustainable world.