BRICS Adopts Chennai Declaration on STI Cooperation

• BRICS nations unanimously adopt the Chennai Declaration on science and technology.
• People-centric and humanity-first approach placed at the heart of STI cooperation.
• Focus on shared research infrastructure, young innovators and scientific mobility.
• BRICS STI partnership to expand cooperation in AI, quantum technology, health and climate.

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 22nd Aug: BRICS countries on Saturday unanimously adopted the Chennai Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to building an effective, resilient and future-ready framework for cooperation in science, technology and innovation.

The declaration was adopted during the closing session of the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting, chaired by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.

The Chennai Declaration places a people-centred and humanity-first approach at the core of BRICS cooperation, with emphasis on sustainable development, inclusive growth and using science and technology to improve the quality of life across member nations.

Addressing the closing session, Dr Jitendra Singh said the discussions had reaffirmed the central role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future. He noted that deliberations covered areas ranging from Artificial Intelligence and high-performance computing to quantum technologies, biotechnology, health, climate and sustainability.

The declaration reflects the growing depth of BRICS STI cooperation through 14 thematic Working Groups, the BRICS Young Scientist Forum, the Young Innovators Prize and BRICS STI Framework Programme calls.

Under India’s theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” Dr Jitendra Singh called for stronger research networks, greater mobility of scientific talent, shared research infrastructure and increased opportunities for young researchers and innovators.

Focus on Shared Research Infrastructure
A key area highlighted in the declaration is cooperation on research infrastructure and mega-science projects. The Chennai Declaration welcomes the Action Plan and Terms of Reference for the BRICS Working Group on Research Infrastructures and Mega-science Projects.

It also records progress towards operationalising the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network (BRICS GRAIN), aimed at facilitating access to research facilities, researcher mobility, joint research and advanced technology development.

The declaration also welcomes the BRICS Science and Research Repository, envisaged as a digital platform for sharing information on scientific institutions, researchers, research outputs, datasets, infrastructure and collaboration opportunities, subject to national regulations and data governance requirements.

Young Innovators and Startups in Focus
The Chennai Declaration places significant emphasis on young scientists and innovators. It encourages greater exchanges through the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and BRICS Young Innovator Prize.

It also welcomes continued work under the BRICS STI Entrepreneurship Partnership to strengthen links between incubators, accelerators and early-stage investors.

The declaration further welcomes the BRICS Youth Startup Platform and recognises the need to expand financing opportunities for early- and growth-stage startups.

Cooperation Across Emerging Technologies
Dr Jitendra Singh said BRICS STI cooperation should move beyond dialogue towards concrete outcomes through joint projects, shared platforms, coordinated research calls and open research infrastructure.

The Chennai Declaration covers a broad range of strategic areas, including AI, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, biotechnology, human health, materials science, nanotechnology, photonics, astronomy, geospatial technologies, renewable energy, ocean and polar science and disaster management.

The declaration also encourages practical engagement and joint research among scientists, academic institutions and innovation communities.

Dr Jitendra Singh stressed that BRICS STI cooperation must remain responsive to the priorities of the Global South, with frontier technologies becoming accessible, affordable, responsible and focused on improving people’s lives.

The meeting also endorsed the BRICS STI Calendar of Activities for 2026–27, ensuring continuity of Working Groups, the Steering Committee, Young Scientist Forum, Young Innovator Prize and other programmes.

The next BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting is scheduled to be held under China’s Chairship in 2027.

Dr Jitendra Singh thanked BRICS Ministers, delegations, experts and institutions for their contributions, saying that resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability should continue to guide the grouping’s efforts towards scientific excellence, technological progress and shared prosperity.