Digital BRICS Forum & Expo 2026 in Pune: India Pushes Cybersecurity, DPI and Resilient Digital Ecosystems
Daily Current Affairs | 20 August 2026 | Science & Technology + International Relations | UPSC/State PCS
Why in News?
India hosted the Digital BRICS Forum & Expo 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra, on 20 August 2026, as part of the BRICS Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Track, being organised from 17–21 August 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship.
The five-day ICT Track follows the theme:
“Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
The programme brings together BRICS members to deepen cooperation in areas including cybersecurity, trusted ICT, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, next-generation communication networks, digital skills, innovation and resilient digital infrastructure.
For UPSC aspirants, the importance lies not merely in remembering another BRICS event. It illustrates how BRICS cooperation is expanding into digital governance, emerging technologies, cyber resilience and the rules that may shape the future digital economy.
★ Why This Topic Is Relevant to UPSC/State PCS
| Exam Area | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Prelims | BRICS ICT Track, DPI, cybersecurity, future networks |
| GS Paper II | BRICS, global digital governance, international cooperation |
| GS Paper III | AI, telecom, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure |
| Governance | Digital Public Infrastructure and inclusive service delivery |
| Essay | Technology, digital divide, AI and inclusive development |
| State PCS | ICT, e-governance, cybersecurity and international groupings |
Exam Priority: ★★★★★
BRICS ICT Track 2026: Understand the Sequence
This is a particularly useful Prelims fact.
17–19 August
7th BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs
↓
20 August
Digital BRICS Forum & Expo
↓
21 August
12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting
The ministerial meeting is to be chaired by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
⚠️ Prelims Trap
The Digital BRICS Forum & Expo and the BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting are not the same event.
What Is the Digital BRICS Forum?
The Digital BRICS Forum provides a platform for discussion among governments, experts and other stakeholders on emerging digital-policy challenges and opportunities.
The Expo dimension complements these discussions by showcasing digital technologies, innovations and solutions relevant to BRICS cooperation, while facilitating interaction and knowledge exchange.
In simple terms:
Policy dialogue
Technology demonstration
Knowledge exchange
International cooperation
↓
Digital BRICS Forum & Expo
Key Areas of Digital Cooperation
The broader BRICS ICT Track places attention on several strategically important areas.
1. Cybersecurity and Trusted ICT
Digital economies increasingly depend on interconnected networks.
This also increases vulnerability to:
- cyberattacks;
- ransomware;
- data theft;
- financial fraud;
- supply-chain attacks;
- misinformation;
- attacks on critical infrastructure.
Therefore, digital transformation requires:
Connectivity + Security + Trust
A digital ecosystem cannot be considered resilient merely because it is highly connected.
It must also be secure, reliable and capable of recovering from disruption.
What Is Cyber Resilience?
Cybersecurity largely focuses on preventing and responding to cyber threats.
Cyber resilience is broader.
It asks:
Can an institution continue delivering essential services even when an attack succeeds?
A simple framework is:
Prevent
↓
Detect
↓
Respond
↓
Recover
↓
Adapt
This concept is increasingly important for:
- banks;
- power grids;
- telecommunications;
- government databases;
- hospitals;
- transport systems; and
- digital payment networks.
2. Child Online Protection
One of the important digital-governance issues associated with the Forum is child online protection.
Children increasingly use:
Social media + Gaming + Online education + Messaging + AI tools
This creates opportunities but also risks such as:
- cyberbullying;
- online exploitation;
- harmful content;
- privacy violations;
- addictive digital design;
- financial scams; and
- misuse of personal data.
The policy challenge is to achieve:
Digital access without digital vulnerability
Why Child Online Safety Is a Governance Issue
The issue cannot be solved only by asking parents to monitor children.
It requires a wider ecosystem involving:
Government
Technology platforms
Schools
Parents
Civil society
Children themselves
Possible policy tools include:
- age-appropriate design;
- privacy protection;
- digital literacy;
- safer default settings;
- rapid reporting systems; and
- stronger institutional response to online abuse.
Mains insight
Digital inclusion must be accompanied by digital safety, particularly for vulnerable users.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
DPI is one of the most important concepts for UPSC.
What is DPI?
Digital Public Infrastructure broadly refers to foundational digital systems that allow governments, citizens and businesses to interact and deliver services at scale.
Common functional layers include:
Digital identity
↓
Digital payments
↓
Secure data exchange
↓
Public and private digital services
India's experience with large-scale digital systems has made DPI an important element of its international technology diplomacy.
DPI vs Ordinary Digitalisation
Do not confuse the two.
Ordinary digitalisation
A department converts a paper service into an online service.
Digital Public Infrastructure
Reusable digital rails can support multiple services and institutions across an ecosystem.
For example:
Digital identity
can support:
banking + welfare + authentication + other services.
Therefore:
Digitisation ≠ DPI
DPI is more foundational and interoperable in concept.
Why India Promotes DPI Internationally
India's digital transformation offers an important diplomatic opportunity.
Instead of international influence being based only on:
military power
or
economic size,
countries can also build influence through:
Technology standards + platforms + development solutions
This gives rise to the concept of:
Digital Diplomacy
India can share knowledge and technological approaches with other developing economies while promoting accessible and inclusive digital transformation.
4. Artificial Intelligence
AI featured in the broader BRICS ICT Working Group discussions alongside next-generation communications and other emerging technologies.
AI can improve:
- public-service delivery;
- healthcare;
- agriculture;
- manufacturing;
- telecom networks;
- education;
- disaster management; and
- logistics.
But AI also raises serious governance questions.
AI Governance Challenges
Bias
AI systems can reproduce biases contained in training data.
Privacy
Large datasets can involve sensitive personal information.
Explainability
Some AI systems make decisions that are difficult to interpret.
Employment
Automation can transform labour markets.
Deepfakes
Generative AI can facilitate sophisticated misinformation.
Concentration of power
Advanced AI infrastructure can become concentrated among a limited number of firms or countries.
Global inequality
Countries without sufficient compute, skills or data infrastructure may fall behind.
Therefore:
AI Innovation must be accompanied by AI Governance.
5. Next-Generation Communications
The BRICS ICT discussions also cover next-generation communications.
This has relevance for technologies beyond existing telecom networks.
Future networks can enable:
- smart factories;
- autonomous systems;
- connected healthcare;
- intelligent transport;
- Internet of Things;
- precision agriculture; and
- advanced digital services.
For India, telecom is therefore not merely a communications sector.
It is increasingly:
Foundational economic infrastructure
just like roads, electricity and ports.
6. Industry 4.0
The BRICS Institute of Future Networks discussions during the ICT Track have included Industry 4.0 internet applications.
What is Industry 4.0?
It refers broadly to the integration of:
Automation
Artificial Intelligence
Internet of Things
Robotics
Cloud computing
Data analytics
into industrial production.
The result is increasingly:
Connected + Automated + Data-driven manufacturing
This has direct relevance to India's manufacturing competitiveness.
7. Digital Skills
Technology infrastructure alone does not guarantee digital development.
A country may have:
internet + smartphones + digital platforms
but still experience exclusion if citizens lack the skills to use them safely and effectively.
Digital skills include:
- basic digital literacy;
- cybersecurity awareness;
- coding;
- data skills;
- AI literacy;
- telecom skills; and
- advanced technology capabilities.
Therefore:
Digital Infrastructure + Digital Skills = Meaningful Digital Inclusion
8. Start-ups and Innovation
BRICS cooperation also creates opportunities for:
- technology start-ups;
- researchers;
- telecom companies;
- digital-service providers;
- innovators; and
- entrepreneurs.
This is significant because technological leadership increasingly depends not merely on government R&D but on an ecosystem involving:
Government + Academia + Start-ups + Industry
International platforms can support:
knowledge exchange
↓
joint innovation
↓
market access
↓
technology partnerships
What Is the BRICS Institute of Future Networks?
The BRICS Institute of Future Networks (BIFN) provides another important static-current linkage.
During the 2026 ICT Track, its Council reviewed national-branch activities and study-group work concerning areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence;
- next-generation communications;
- Industry 4.0 internet applications; and
- electromagnetic-field exposure.
Prelims caution
It should not be confused with:
- New Development Bank;
- BRICS Business Council; or
- BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting.
These perform different functions.
Sustainable & Resilient Digital Ecosystems
Digitalisation also has an environmental dimension.
Digital infrastructure depends on:
Data centres
Telecommunication networks
Electronic devices
Cloud infrastructure
These consume electricity and generate electronic waste.
Therefore, sustainable digital development requires attention to:
- energy-efficient networks;
- renewable-powered data centres;
- longer device life;
- circular electronics;
- responsible e-waste management; and
- efficient computing.
This connects:
Digital Transformation + Environmental Sustainability
What Does “Resilient Digital Infrastructure” Mean?
A resilient digital system should continue functioning despite:
Cyberattack
or
Natural disaster
or
Equipment failure
or
Network disruption
or
Other systemic shocks
This requires:
- redundancy;
- backups;
- diversified infrastructure;
- cybersecurity;
- disaster-recovery systems; and
- institutional preparedness.
The concept has become strategically important because economies increasingly depend on uninterrupted digital connectivity.
India's Digital Diplomacy Through BRICS
This is the strongest GS-II dimension.
India can use BRICS to promote cooperation on:
DPI
Cybersecurity
AI
Future Networks
Digital Skills
Inclusive Technology
This allows India to position itself not merely as a consumer of global technology but as:
A contributor to global digital governance
BRICS and the Global South
Many emerging and developing economies face similar digital challenges:
- affordability;
- rural connectivity;
- digital literacy;
- dependence on foreign technologies;
- cybersecurity capacity;
- limited advanced computing resources.
BRICS cooperation can potentially facilitate:
Knowledge sharing
Capacity building
Technology partnerships
Policy coordination
This gives Digital BRICS a broader Global South dimension.
★ Mains Perspective: Digital Sovereignty vs Global Cooperation
This is an important analytical issue.
Countries increasingly seek greater control over:
- citizen data;
- critical digital infrastructure;
- telecom networks;
- AI capabilities;
- semiconductor supply chains.
This is often discussed under the idea of:
Digital Sovereignty
But digital networks are inherently cross-border.
Cyber threats, cloud services, internet standards and AI systems do not respect national boundaries.
Therefore countries face a balancing challenge:
National Digital Sovereignty
versus
International Digital Cooperation
BRICS digital cooperation illustrates attempts to manage this balance.
Can BRICS Shape Global Digital Governance?
Potentially, but there are important limitations.
BRICS members collectively represent large populations and rapidly expanding digital markets.
That gives the grouping substantial influence.
However, members differ in:
- political systems;
- internet governance approaches;
- data-protection frameworks;
- technological capabilities;
- cybersecurity policies;
- strategic interests.
Therefore, reaching common digital standards can be difficult.
The realistic role of BRICS may initially be stronger in:
cooperation + capacity building + knowledge exchange
than in creating a single unified digital regulatory system.
Critical Analysis: Major Challenges
1. Different regulatory philosophies
Members may have different approaches to data, privacy and internet governance.
2. Technology gaps
Digital capabilities vary significantly across countries.
3. Cybersecurity trust deficit
Cybersecurity cooperation requires substantial trust and information sharing.
4. Digital divide
Urban and affluent populations may benefit faster than rural or marginalised communities.
5. AI inequality
Advanced AI requires expensive compute, specialised chips, data and skilled workers.
6. Interoperability
Different national digital systems may not easily work together.
7. Privacy concerns
Greater digital integration can increase risks of surveillance or misuse of personal data if safeguards are weak.
8. Geopolitical tensions
Strategic competition among major powers can affect technology partnerships and supply chains.
Way Forward
BRICS digital cooperation should focus on practical and achievable outcomes.
Trusted DPI
Develop principles supporting interoperability, privacy, security and inclusion.
Cyber capacity building
Share expertise and develop stronger incident-response capabilities.
Child online protection
Promote age-appropriate and safety-by-design digital services.
Responsible AI
Encourage innovation while strengthening transparency, accountability and safety.
Future-network research
Increase collaboration in advanced telecommunications.
Digital skills
Build human capacity, particularly among youth and underserved populations.
Start-up collaboration
Connect technology start-ups across BRICS economies.
Sustainable ICT
Promote energy-efficient networks, responsible data centres and circular electronics.
The objective should be:
Secure + Inclusive + Innovative + Sustainable Digital Transformation
Prelims Quick Revision
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Event | Digital BRICS Forum & Expo 2026 |
| Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Venue | Pune, Maharashtra |
| BRICS Chair 2026 | India |
| Organising Indian department | Department of Telecommunications |
| Ministry | Ministry of Communications |
| BRICS ICT Track | 17–21 August 2026 |
| ICT Working Group | 7th Meeting |
| Working Group dates | 17–19 August |
| Digital BRICS Forum & Expo | 20 August |
| Communications Ministers Meeting | 21 August |
| Ministers Meeting | 12th |
| ICT Track theme | Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future |
The event sequence and theme are confirmed in reporting based on Department of Telecommunications communications.
⚠️ High-Value Prelims Traps
Statement: Digital BRICS Forum & Expo 2026 was held in New Delhi.
❌ Incorrect — Pune, Maharashtra.
Statement: The Digital BRICS Forum & Expo was scheduled for 20 August 2026.
✅ Correct.
Statement: The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting takes place before the Digital BRICS Forum.
❌ Incorrect. The Forum is on 20 August, followed by the ministerial meeting on 21 August.
Statement: Digital Public Infrastructure refers simply to social-media platforms operated by governments.
❌ Incorrect.
Statement: The BRICS ICT Working Group discussed AI and next-generation communications.
✅ Correct.
UPSC Prelims Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the BRICS ICT Track 2026, consider the following statements:
- It is being hosted in Pune.
- India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026.
- The Digital BRICS Forum & Expo is part of the ICT Track.
- The BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting follows the Digital BRICS Forum.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
All four are correct.
Q2. Which of the following best describes Digital Public Infrastructure?
A. Government-owned social-media networks
B. Foundational and reusable digital systems that enable services across an economy
C. Physical telecom towers owned exclusively by governments
D. Cryptocurrency networks maintained by central banks
Answer: B
DPI refers broadly to foundational digital systems that can enable multiple public and private digital services.
UPSC/State PCS Mains Practice Question
“Digital Public Infrastructure is emerging not only as an instrument of domestic governance but also as an element of India's technology diplomacy.” Discuss in the context of India's BRICS Chairship and the Digital BRICS Forum 2026.
GS Paper II + GS Paper III | 250 words
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digital BRICS Forum & Expo 2026?
It is part of the BRICS ICT Track 2026, providing a platform for digital-policy discussions, technological cooperation and showcasing innovations relevant to BRICS economies.
When and where is it being held?
The Forum & Expo is scheduled for 20 August 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra.
Who is organising the BRICS ICT Track in India?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications is leading the programme.
What is the theme of BRICS ICT Track 2026?
“Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
What follows the Digital BRICS Forum?
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on 21 August 2026, chaired by India's Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
Why is the topic important for UPSC?
It connects BRICS, DPI, AI, cybersecurity, telecom, digital governance, child online protection and India's technology diplomacy, making it relevant to both GS-II and GS-III.
Conclusion
The Digital BRICS Forum & Expo 2026 shows that BRICS cooperation is moving beyond conventional diplomacy and economics into one of the defining strategic domains of the 21st century: digital technology.
The emerging agenda can be understood as:
Digital Public Infrastructure
Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence
Future Networks
Digital Skills
Innovation
↓
Resilient & Inclusive Digital Transformation
For India, the opportunity is particularly significant. Its domestic digital experience can increasingly become an instrument of development partnership and digital diplomacy.
But the ultimate measure of success should not be how quickly societies digitalise.
It should be whether digitalisation becomes:
secure, inclusive, interoperable, rights-respecting and capable of improving people's lives.
Official Sources
- PIB — Department of Telecommunications: BRICS ICT Track 2026
- PIB — 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting & Digital BRICS Forum Expo
-
Department of Telecommunications
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