The BRICS grouping has placed telecommunications and digital infrastructure at the centre of its latest commitments, reinforcing the view that reliable connectivity is now a core part of national infrastructure.
The New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted unanimously at the BRICS Summit, called for open, safe and interoperable information and communication technologies (ICTs). It also stressed that digital cooperation must respect the sovereignty and national security of individual countries.
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The declaration has particular relevance for India, where telecom operators have increasingly focused on security, trusted equipment sources and resilient digital networks. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General S P Kochhar said the declaration’s focus on telecommunications reflects the industry’s long-standing position that connectivity is essential to both economic development and national interests.
“The New Delhi Declaration’s framing of telecommunications as vital to peace and economic development reaffirms what Indian operators have long argued, that connectivity is core national infrastructure,” Kochhar said.
What did the BRICS New Delhi Declaration say about telecom security?
The BRICS countries backed greater cooperation on open, safe and interoperable ICTs while recognising the need to protect national sovereignty and security. The declaration also called for common global rules covering supply chain security. This is significant for telecom networks, where equipment and technology come from multiple countries and suppliers.
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The grouping further called for joint efforts to tackle the misuse of ICTs and emerging technologies. The concerns listed include data security, cybercrime, misinformation, hate speech, deepfakes, and other malicious uses of ICTs. The focus is not only on securing networks. It also reflects growing concerns around how digital technologies can be misused once they are deployed at scale.
Why trusted telecom sources matter for India
India already follows a trusted-source framework for telecom equipment. Under the country’s telecom regulations, network equipment can be procured from trusted sources or entities approved by the government based on specified security requirements.
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The approach is designed to reduce potential national security risks linked to telecom infrastructure. COAI’s response suggests that India’s existing approach is broadly aligned with the BRICS push for stronger and interoperable ICT security standards. For India, this could also strengthen the case for greater cooperation on telecom security across BRICS economies.
BRICS turns attention to 5G-Advanced & 6G
The declaration’s focus extends beyond today’s telecom networks. The BRICS Institute of Future Networks (BIFN) is a collaborative platform for research, development and ICT cooperation among BRICS countries.
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Its work focuses on technologies including 5G-Advanced, 6G and satellite and non-terrestrial networks. It also covers artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for industrial applications. The platform could provide a framework for BRICS countries to share research and build greater cooperation around the next generation of connectivity. As networks become more closely linked to industries, public services and digital infrastructure, security will remain a central part of this development.
BRICS backs Digital Public Infrastructure repository
The BRICS countries have also backed a proposal to launch a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) repository for member countries. The repository is expected to act as a knowledge-sharing platform. It will showcase best practices, open platforms and successful DPI models developed across BRICS countries.
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The grouping also backed pilot projects using DPI solutions to support digital transformation in member nations. For countries building large-scale digital systems, such a repository could provide a way to share what works, compare different approaches and support the development of new digital public services.
What does the BRICS telecom agreement mean for India?
For India, the commitments underline the growing importance of secure connectivity, trusted telecom equipment and cooperation on emerging technologies. The New Delhi Declaration links telecom infrastructure with wider economic and national priorities. At the same time, its focus on interoperability and common supply chain security rules points towards greater coordination between BRICS countries.
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The inclusion of 5G-Advanced, 6G, satellite networks, AI and DPI also shows that the discussion is moving beyond traditional telecom infrastructure. The bigger question now is how these commitments will translate into practical cooperation.
For India’s telecom sector, the direction is clear: connectivity is no longer just about putting more people online. It is increasingly about building networks that are secure, trusted, interoperable and ready for the next generation of digital services.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
