Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India has reaffirmed its commitment to long-standing diplomatic ties with the BRICS nations during a multilateral meeting of communications ministers in Brazil. Union Minister of State (MoS) for Rural Development and Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, representing India at the 11th BRICS Communication Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil, highlighted pioneering Digital Public Infrastructure — from Aadhaar to UPI, which is now a global model for inclusive tech-led growth.
Pemmasani shared India’s progress on four pillars — Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space and Environmental Sustainability, and Digital Ecosystems — under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting in Brasilia. BRICS members include 11 nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Egypt, Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
“Productive bilateral talks with Brazil towards strengthening digital ties for a smarter, secure future. Discussed India’s strides in indigenous 4G/5G development, and domestic manufacturing and explored cooperation in 6G, Quantum Tech and Satcom. Also, discussed Brazil’s 6GHz trials and satcom needs, telecom security and global DPI cooperation,” Pemmasani posted on X on Tuesday.
Pemmasani also held a constructive interaction with the South African counterpart on the sidelines of the BRICS Communication Ministers’ meeting, appreciating their continued support at global forums.
They discussed deeper cooperation in areas such as skill development to bridge the digital divide, digital banking, including UPI-based cashless payment systems, and digital public infrastructure.
Both sides explored the potential for greater collaboration at multilateral platforms and assured every possible support to strengthen our digital partnership. He said, “The meeting was quite successful. Around 10 countries participated in the process, with each sharing their experiences and learning from one another. Overall, when compared to other nations, India has done an exceptional job, whether in expanding 4G and 5G connectivity, laying fibre optics, preventing telecom fraud or implementing satellite reforms. People listened and appreciated India’s progressive and dynamic nature of doing things.”
The BRICS Communications Ministers met in Brasilia under the Chair of Brazil on June 2, and conducted discussions on universal and meaningful connectivity, space sustainability, environmental sustainability, and digital ecosystems with the vision to further strengthen the cooperation in delivering an open, enabling, inclusive, interconnected, innovation-driven, development-oriented equitable and sustainable digital future for all.