India opens BRICS science meet in Chennai, urges accessible tech cooperation

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday opened the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting in Chennai, urging global cooperation to ensure emerging technologies remain "accessible, affordable, trusted and sustainable."

Singh said India had adopted "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" as the theme of its 2026 BRICS Presidency. He stated that the grouping's scientific talent and research capacity positioned it to lead a "cooperative, responsible and future-oriented" innovation agenda.

The minister noted that the world is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, and geospatial technologies.