Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 13: BRICS leaders have widened their technology agenda beyond artificial intelligence. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 spans AI, infrastructure and cybersecurity. Much of it remains at an early, cooperative stage.
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 at the 18th BRICS Summit. It calls for wider access to AI resources. The declaration also stresses AI safety, security and reliability. Digital sovereignty and cybersecurity feature prominently alongside artificial intelligence.
BRICS Puts AI Access at Centre Stage
The declaration frames AI as an opportunity for economic growth. It links this growth explicitly to sustainable development goals. BRICS supports developing trustworthy AI technologies for science and innovation. Wider AI access differs from any shared pool of resources. The declaration calls for accessibility, not a common AI infrastructure.
AI Safety Meets Global South Access
BRICS wants broader AI access alongside stronger safeguards. The declaration stresses safety, security, inclusiveness and reliability together. It places particular emphasis on Global South countries. The stated goal is a “just, fair, equitable and prosperous future.” AI energy efficiency also receives explicit mention in the text. No specific efficiency targets are included in the declaration.
Digital Sovereignty Enters BRICS Strategy
BRICS backs building a “sovereign and self-reliant digital ecosystem.” Digital and ICT systems are described as critical infrastructure. This reflects growing government interest in domestic technology resilience. It does not mean disconnected national networks, according to the text. Digital public infrastructure forms a related pillar of the agenda.
Digital Public Infrastructure Becomes Another Pillar
The declaration proposes a BRICS digital public infrastructure repository. It also references pilot DPI projects among member countries. These remain proposals rather than completed systems. India’s own DPI experience and AI Impact Summit are referenced.
BRICS Looks at Submarine Cable Cooperation
BRICS backs continued cooperation on submarine cable infrastructure. The stated aim is stronger connectivity and network resilience. A feasibility study could examine a high-speed BRICS communications network. This follows a directive brief called BRICS Cable Requirements. The proposal remains at an early, exploratory stage.
Cybersecurity Cooperation Deepens
The declaration addresses cybercrime, malware and data-security threats. It also names misinformation, disinformation and deepfakes as concerns. BRICS supports stronger exchanges between emergency response teams. It encourages interoperable standards for ICT supply-chain security. Member states are also urged to consider the UN cybercrime convention.
AI Raises Intellectual-Property Questions
The declaration recognises intellectual-property rights within AI training. It supports “fair remuneration” for affected rights holders. It also raises concerns about underrepresented cultural knowledge in datasets. No licensing framework or compensation mechanism is specified.
Quantum, Startups and Manufacturing Broaden the Agenda
BRICS welcomed cooperation on quantum technologies and research infrastructure. Leaders welcomed the established BRICS Incubator Network. A separate Startup Innovation Fund remains under consideration only. Youth initiatives include a proposed platform for young innovators. The agenda also covers smart factories, robotics and Industry 4.0.
BRICS has outlined a broad digital-cooperation framework across many fronts. Most elements remain proposals, pilots or feasibility studies. Their significance will depend on how they are implemented.
