New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday announced the unanimous adoption of the ‘Chennai Declaration’, reaffirming the BRICS countries’ commitment to developing an effective, resilient and future-ready framework for cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
The declaration, adopted under India’s BRICS Chairship, places a people-centred and humanity-first approach at the core of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) cooperation. It focuses on sustainable development, resilient and high-quality economic growth, social inclusion and the use of technology and innovation to improve the welfare and quality of life of people across BRICS nations.
Addressing the closing session of the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meet, chaired by India, Dr Singh said the deliberations had reaffirmed the crucial role of science, technology and innovation in creating a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
He said the wide range of subjects discussed during the meeting, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, healthcare, climate change and sustainability, reflected both the opportunities and challenges shared by BRICS countries.
According to Dr Singh, these common challenges can be addressed more effectively through greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action among member nations.
The ‘Chennai Consensus’ also highlights the growing depth and maturity of cooperation among BRICS countries in the STI sector. The partnership has expanded through sustained activities involving 14 thematic Working Groups, 11 editions of the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and nine editions each of the Young Innovators Prize and BRICS STI Framework Programme calls.
These initiatives have supported collaborative research, innovation and flagship projects while strengthening engagement among scientists, researchers, innovators and institutions across BRICS countries.
The declaration also welcomed India’s efforts to review and streamline BRICS STI priorities. It recorded ongoing consultations aimed at creating a more future-ready framework for cooperation that can respond to rapidly changing technological and economic conditions.
A key area highlighted in the declaration was support for young entrepreneurs and startups. The document welcomed the BRICS Youth Startup Platform and underlined the need to expand access to finance for startups at both early and growth stages.
It also noted discussions around the possible creation of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, as reflected in the BRICS Industry Ministers’ Declaration, with coordination with the STI track wherever appropriate.
Dr Singh stressed that BRICS cooperation in science and technology must now move beyond dialogue and produce tangible outcomes for citizens and economies.
He called for stronger mechanisms to facilitate joint research projects, shared technology platforms, coordinated research calls and greater access to open research infrastructure.
The minister said closer STI collaboration would help BRICS countries harness emerging technologies while ensuring that scientific advancement remains aligned with sustainable development, inclusiveness and human welfare.
The adoption of the Chennai Declaration marks a significant step in strengthening the BRICS science and technology partnership and providing a long-term framework for collaborative innovation.
