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With India assuming the BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, science, technology, and innovation (STI) have emerged as key pillars of cooperation within the grouping.

The expansion of BRICS into BRICS and recent declarations signal a shift towards deep-tech collaboration and techno-multipolarity, especially among Global South countries.

Evolution of Scientific Cooperation in BRICS

• Scientific collaboration within BRICS has evolved gradually from basic cooperation to structured institutional engagement. Early recognition of science and technology cooperation began with the Sanya Declaration (2011), which integrated STI into the BRICS agenda.
• Subsequently, the 2015 MoU on STI cooperation formalised collaboration, leading to initiatives such as the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and joint research programmes. Over time, cooperation expanded through action plans focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, including the establishment of the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre.
• Recent initiatives, such as the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, reflect a move towards strategic technological autonomy, reducing dependence on Western systems.

Emergence of BRICS as a Techno-Strategic Platform

BRICS is increasingly positioning itself as a platform for technology-driven cooperation among emerging economies. The expansion into BRICS has enhanced its global significance, with the grouping now representing a substantial share of global population, trade, and economic output.

The focus has shifted towards frontier technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, digital infrastructure, and climate technologies. The grouping aims to provide alternative models of development and governance, particularly for the Global South.

Opportunities for Cooperation

BRICS offers significant potential for collaboration in areas such as digital public infrastructure, healthcare innovation, climate technologies, and advanced research.

India, in particular, can leverage its strengths in digital platforms, pharmaceuticals, and space technologies to drive collective initiatives. Collaborative frameworks such as shared digital systems, joint research projects, and cross-border innovation networks can enhance technological capabilities across member countries.

The platform also enables knowledge sharing and capacity building, especially for newer members, thereby promoting inclusive technological development.

Challenges in BRICS Scientific Collaboration

Despite its potential, BRICS faces several structural and operational challenges. There are significant disparities in research and development capacities among member countries, which can hinder balanced collaboration.

Geopolitical tensions and differing national priorities may affect the continuity of joint initiatives. Additionally, the absence of a strong institutional framework and dedicated funding mechanisms limits the effectiveness of cooperation.

Issues related to technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and regulatory harmonisation further complicate collaboration efforts.

India’s Role and Way Forward

India can play a pivotal role in strengthening BRICS cooperation by promoting digital public infrastructure models, such as Aadhaar and UPI, as scalable solutions for other member countries.

It can also advocate for joint mega-science projects, climate technology partnerships, and digital health initiatives, leveraging its experience in global collaborations.

Establishing common standards for emerging technologies like AI and enhancing institutional coordination will be essential. Strengthening funding mechanisms and fostering industry-academia linkages can further deepen collaboration.