India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, with innovation, digital cooperation and technology-led inclusion expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
During its BRICS chairship, India has pushed cooperation in areas ranging from artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure to startups, scientific research and women's participation in technology and entrepreneurship.
Technology takes centre stage
The summit will be held under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Humanity First". This will be India's fourth time hosting the BRICS leaders' summit, following the meetings held in 2012, 2016 and 2021.
India has showcased its digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), as examples of digital systems designed to be affordable, scalable and accessible.
The technology agenda has also featured in ministerial and working-group meetings held during India's chairship. At the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting in August, discussions covered artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, digital governance and resilient communication networks.
Push for startups and scientific cooperation
India has also focused on strengthening links between startups and innovation ecosystems across BRICS nations. The proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund and BRICS Startup Innovation Network are aimed at creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and emerging businesses.
Another proposal, the BRICS Science and Research Repository, seeks to improve the sharing of research capabilities and encourage greater scientific collaboration between member countries.
Greater focus on women in technology
Women's participation in technology and entrepreneurship has emerged as another priority under India's chairship.
The BRICS Women Working Group has been working on policy cooperation related to digital inclusion and women's entrepreneurship. The BRICS Women's Startup Contest, organised through the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, focuses on women-led ventures working in areas such as technology, innovation and sustainability.
The Women in Innovation, Science and Entrepreneurship (WISE) initiative is centred on innovation and collaboration, access to funding and policy advocacy. It also seeks to address barriers affecting women's participation and leadership in STEM and entrepreneurship.
What to expect at the summit
BRICS leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, scientific research and inclusive growth amid rapid technological changes and evolving global challenges.
Through its chairship, India has sought to expand the BRICS agenda beyond economic and geopolitical cooperation by promoting practical partnerships in technology, startups, research and digital infrastructure.