At the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil, India not only reiterated its commitment to inclusive and sustainable digital development, but also set a compelling vision for global cooperation rooted in equity, innovation, and shared progress. India’s success with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) such as Aadhaar and UPI is not merely a technical achievement; it is a socio-political revolution that has brought over 950 million people into the digital fold. UPI’s staggering dominance—accounting for 46% of global digital transactions—is a testament to what inclusive innovation can achieve when guided by political will and visionary leadership. The Indian government’s digital journey has indeed shifted the global conversation—from digital divide to digital leadership. As the digital world becomes increasingly fragmented, monopolized, and vulnerable to cyber threats, India’s DPI model offers a path that is equitable, secure, and adaptable.
Importantly, India’s digital vision is not insular. The invitation to BRICS nations to co-create a shared digital future shows an evolved, confident diplomacy—one that goes beyond economic or strategic gain to build long-term human-centered infrastructure. This is further reflected in India’s advocacy for responsible space governance and digital sustainability—areas where unchecked competition could have disastrous consequences. The conversation on space sustainability, too, signals a shift in priorities. In a world racing to commercialize low-earth orbits, India is asking the right questions: Who governs shared orbits? How do we manage space traffic? Can we ensure orbital equity before it’s too late? These are no longer questions of the future, but urgent demands of the present.
What emerges from the meeting in Brazil is this: India is no longer a follower in global digital conversations. It is shaping the narrative—ethically, inclusively, and assertively. As BRICS expands and evolves, it will need anchors of credibility and vision. India, through its DPI, progressive policies, and civilizational wisdom, offers both. The road to digital equity is not without challenges—rising cyber threats, unequal infrastructure, and global mistrust in tech giants all remain. But as India prepares to host the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in 2026, it has already made one thing clear: The future of global digital cooperation lies not in competition, but in shared commitment to the idea that the world is, indeed, one family.
