Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Friday (August 21, 2026) said emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for progress, and called for stronger international collaboration to ensure that innovation remains accessible, affordable, trusted and sustainable.
Delivering the inaugural address at the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting in Chennai on Friday (August 21, 2026), Dr. Singh said emerging technologies included advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, geospatial technologies and high-performance computing.
Dr. Singh said India had chosen ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’ as the theme of its BRICS Presidency in 2026. The theme reflected the shared conviction that science, technology and innovation must serve humanity by enhancing resilience, driving inclusive growth, promoting sustainable development and fostering equitable partnerships among nations.
The Minister said the BRICS, with its vast population, scientific talent and growing research capabilities, is well placed to foster a cooperative, responsible and future-oriented innovation ecosystem. He acknowledged the contribution of the STI Steering Committee, senior officials and various STI working groups in sustaining dialogue and translating it into practical cooperation and tangible outcomes, according to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release.
Setting priorities
The Minister noted that BRICS STI cooperation has evolved into a robust platform encompassing research collaboration, innovation partnerships, young scientist exchanges, research infrastructure, and thematic working groups. During India’s Presidency, a comprehensive review of BRICS STI priorities is being undertaken to align cooperation with emerging scientific and technological frontiers and the developmental aspirations of societies.
Dr. Singh said India remained committed to advancing an open, inclusive and human-centric approach to science and innovation. He referred to India’s initiatives, including the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, BioE3 Policy, National Geospatial Policy and the expanding Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem, which reflected an approach where innovation ultimately improves people’s lives and supports sustainable economic transformation.
The Minister invited BRICS partners to identify ambitious yet practical pathways for deeper collaboration in frontier research, innovation financing, talent mobility, research infrastructure sharing, startup partnerships and capacity building. He said such cooperation could help create a future-ready BRICS STI architecture responsive to global challenges and supportive of the Global South’s aspirations.
Published – August 21, 2026 10:06 pm IST
