Chennai, Aug 21: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday called for stronger international cooperation to ensure that scientific and technological innovation remains accessible, affordable, trusted and sustainable, as the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting began in Chennai.
Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s growing global engagement in science, technology and innovation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India has adopted “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” as the theme of its BRICS Presidency in 2026, reflecting the country’s emphasis on using science and technology to promote inclusive growth, sustainable development and equitable partnerships, he said.
The Minister noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, geospatial technologies and high-performance computing are rapidly transforming the world.
While these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities, he stressed the need for greater international collaboration to ensure that their benefits reach wider sections of society.
Dr Jitendra Singh said BRICS, with its large population, scientific talent and expanding research capabilities, is well positioned to build a cooperative and responsible innovation ecosystem.
He highlighted the evolution of BRICS STI cooperation across areas including joint research, innovation partnerships, young scientist exchanges, research infrastructure and thematic working groups.
During India’s 2026 Presidency, he said, a comprehensive review of BRICS STI priorities is being undertaken to align cooperation with emerging technological frontiers and the developmental aspirations of member societies.
The Minister outlined India’s initiatives, including the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, BioE3 Policy, National Geospatial Policy and Digital Public Infrastructure, saying they reflect an approach in which scientific innovation ultimately improves people’s lives and strengthens societal resilience.
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 responding to global challenges while supporting the aspirations of the Global South.
Dr Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that the deliberations in Chennai would further strengthen BRICS cooperation and contribute to building a more innovative, resilient and sustainable world.
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