The priorities were set out in the Chair’s statement and outcome document adopted after the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi on May 14 and 15 under India’s 2026 Presidency.
The ministers said artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development. At the same time, they also noted the need for international cooperation to make AI resources more accessible and ensure that AI systems are safe, secure, comprehensive and reliable.
The document also addresses the role of AI in science, innovation, economic development, and social good. Ministers said cooperation in these areas is important to building a fairer and more inclusive technology future, especially for countries in the Global South.
The BRICS Ministers congratulated India on hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 and also noted the World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance held in Shanghai. They reaffirmed their commitment to implement the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.
Digital connectivity was also a focus of this document. Ministers supported efforts to build strong digital public infrastructure, expand ICT cooperation, and support a safe, stable, open, accessible and peaceful digital environment, taking into account national sovereignty and security.
The statement also called for increased cooperation against cybercrime and the misuse of digital technologies, including malicious software, data security threats, misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and deepfakes. Ministers encouraged countries to consider signing and ratifying the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in line with their domestic procedures.
Ministers also noted the importance of supporting innovation ecosystems, youth entrepreneurship, and MSMEs. The document says BRICS cooperation should help start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises improve access to finance, markets, skills and technology.
The statement welcomed the launch of the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub under the BRICS Startup Forum and pointed out the importance of partnerships in the new industrial revolution. He also encouraged cooperation in Industry 4.0 and closer collaboration between start-ups and SMEs across the BRICS countries.
Ministers also welcomed progress in discussions regarding the possibility of high-speed communications networks using submarine cables between BRICS countries. The document states that a BRICS Submarine Cables Task Force has been established to continue digital infrastructure connectivity and capacity building efforts.
Earlier, Qazinform news agency reported that BRICS foreign ministers called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, unimpeded humanitarian access and support for a Palestinian state.
