BRICS leaders call for stronger international cooperation, wider access to AI resources

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-13 · 3 min · 470 words

UPSC CSE Context

Why in News

BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026 at the 18th Summit, calling for wider AI access and stronger international cooperation.

Syllabus Connection

International Relations, Science and Technology, Governance.

Exam Relevance

Useful for questions on global AI governance, digital sovereignty, and South-South cooperation in technology.

Core Issue

BRICS pushes inclusive AI governance and digital sovereignty.

Key Development

New Delhi Declaration 2026 commits to implementing BRICS Leaders' Statement on Global Governance of AI.

Stakeholders

• BRICS member states
• Global South countries
• BRICS STI Steering Committee

Static Knowledge

High-Value Background

• BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies, expanded in 2024 to include new members.
• Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems like identity, payments, and data exchange.

Concepts in Context

• AI governance involves norms, standards, and regulations to ensure safe and ethical AI development.
• Digital sovereignty refers to a nation's control over its digital infrastructure and data.

Institutions and Mechanisms

• BRICS ICT track focuses on information and communication technology collaboration.

Dynamic Analysis

International Relations

• Positions BRICS as a counterweight to Western-led AI governance frameworks.
• Emphasizes Global South interests in equitable AI access and capacity building.
• May lead to parallel digital ecosystems, affecting global tech standards.
• Strengthens South-South cooperation but risks fragmentation of global AI governance.

Science and Technology

• Focus on AI for science and innovation can accelerate research in member countries.
• Energy efficiency of AI systems addresses environmental concerns of large-scale computing.
• Trustworthy AI technologies require robust testing and certification mechanisms.
• Submarine cable connectivity enhances data sovereignty and reduces dependence on Western networks.

Governance

• Digital public infrastructure repository can promote sharing of best practices among BRICS nations.
• Sovereign digital ecosystem may conflict with global internet openness principles.
• Addressing misinformation and deepfakes requires coordinated regulatory approaches.
• Implementation of AI governance statement needs institutional follow-up and monitoring.

Prelims Takeaways

• New Delhi Declaration 2026 adopted at 18th BRICS Summit.

Mains Value Addition

Arguments

• BRICS AI cooperation can democratize technology access for developing countries.
• Digital sovereignty may enhance national security but could lead to internet fragmentation.
• Focus on DPI aligns with India's digital public goods advocacy.
• Energy-efficient AI addresses climate concerns but requires significant investment.

Examples

• India's AI Impact Summit held in February 2026.
• World AI Conference in Shanghai mentioned in declaration.

Data Points

• Proposed feasibility study for high-speed submarine cable network among BRICS countries.

Counterpoints

• Lack of binding commitments may limit implementation effectiveness.
• Divergent national interests among BRICS members could hinder unified AI governance.
• Parallel digital ecosystems may increase global digital divide.

Way Forward

• Establish a BRICS AI governance working group with clear mandates and timelines.
• Promote interoperability between BRICS digital public infrastructure and global standards.
• Invest in joint research on energy-efficient AI and trustworthy AI technologies.
• Develop common frameworks for combating misinformation and deepfakes while respecting sovereignty.
• Ensure inclusive participation of smaller BRICS members in technology initiatives.

Primary/reference source: National News