India Strengthens Diplomatic Ties at BRICS Communications Meeting in Brazil
India's Commitment to BRICS
Brasilia, June 3: India has reiterated its dedication to its longstanding diplomatic relationships with BRICS nations during a recent multilateral meeting of communications ministers held in Brazil.
Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, represented India at the 11th BRICS Communication Ministers' Meeting. He emphasized India's innovative Digital Public Infrastructure, which includes initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI, now recognized globally as a model for inclusive technology-driven growth.
During the meeting in Brasilia on Monday, he outlined India's advancements across four key areas: Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space and Environmental Sustainability, and Digital Ecosystems, all under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The BRICS group comprises 11 nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
Pemmasani shared on X about productive discussions with Brazil aimed at enhancing digital connections for a smarter and safer future. He highlighted India's achievements in developing indigenous 4G and 5G technologies, domestic manufacturing, and explored potential collaborations in 6G, Quantum Technology, and Satellite Communications. Additionally, they discussed Brazil's 6GHz trials and its satellite communication requirements, along with telecom security and global Digital Public Infrastructure cooperation.
He also engaged in fruitful discussions with his South African counterpart during the BRICS meeting, acknowledging their ongoing support in international forums.
The two sides explored deeper collaboration in areas such as skill development to address the digital divide, digital banking, including UPI-based cashless payment systems, and digital public infrastructure.
Both parties expressed a commitment to enhancing their digital partnership through greater cooperation on multilateral platforms.
In an interview, Pemmasani remarked, "The meeting was quite successful, with participation from around 10 countries, each sharing valuable experiences. Compared to other nations, India has excelled in expanding 4G and 5G connectivity, laying fiber optics, combating telecom fraud, and implementing satellite reforms. Attendees acknowledged India's progressive and dynamic approach to these challenges."
The BRICS Communications Ministers convened in Brasilia on June 2, focusing on universal connectivity, space sustainability, environmental sustainability, and digital ecosystems, with the aim of fostering an open, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for all.
Additionally, an all-party parliamentary delegation from India, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, recently arrived in Brazil as part of the government's diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor, aimed at consolidating global support against cross-border terrorism and affirming India's zero-tolerance policy on terror.
Regarding the delegation led by Tharoor, Pemmasani praised their efforts in presenting India's narrative on the global stage, highlighting the innovative initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi.
"Shashi Tharoor is a highly experienced individual with significant international exposure in these matters. I believe he and his team are effectively conveying India's perspective to the world, achieving notable success. For example, they recently influenced a shift in Colombia's stance. This initiative by PM Modi is both interesting and innovative, clearly yielding results," Pemmasani stated.