Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Sindhia Chairs 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in Pune, Highlights Sustainable ICT Infrastructure and Digital Inclusion

The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting convened in Pune under the chairmanship of India’s Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Sindhia. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and India exchanged views on the rapid evolution of telecommunications, the rollout of next‑generation networks, and the shared responsibility to ensure that digital transformation proceeds in an environmentally responsible manner. Sindhia opened the session by reaffirming India’s commitment to the BRICS agenda of fostering resilient, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems, and he urged member states to integrate sustainability criteria into the planning and deployment of ICT infrastructure.

Key outcomes of the meeting included a consensus to develop a joint framework for green telecom practices, such as energy‑efficient data centers, renewable‑powered base stations, and circular‑economy approaches to equipment lifecycle management. The ministers also agreed to launch a collaborative research platform focused on low‑carbon 5G and emerging 6G technologies, leveraging the expertise of each nation’s academic and industry partners. In addition, Sindhia highlighted India’s ongoing initiatives—such as the National Digital Communications Policy and the Digital India programme—that aim to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access to rural and underserved communities. He called for similar inclusion‑focused strategies across BRICS, emphasizing that digital inclusion is essential for socioeconomic development and for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting concluded with a joint declaration urging member countries to align their national ICT policies with climate commitments, to share best practices on digital inclusion, and to pursue coordinated standards development. Observers noted that the Pune summit marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and inclusive digital future for the BRICS bloc, positioning the group to play a leading role in shaping global telecommunications policy in the coming decade.