Pune: India and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), marking a significant step towards deeper collaboration in digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held in Pune during the BRICS ICT Track Meeting on August 21.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia signed the MoU on behalf of India, while Brazil’s Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho represented Brazil.
India and Brazil Expand Telecom and Digital Cooperation
The newly signed MoU aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of telecommunications, digital innovation and information and communication technologies.
According to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the agreement establishes a formal framework for structured collaboration in:
- Telecommunications
- Digital infrastructure
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
- Emerging technologies
- Research and innovation
- Capacity building and technical cooperation
The partnership is expected to facilitate greater engagement between institutions, policymakers and technology stakeholders from both countries.
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Focus on Connectivity, Cybersecurity and Digital Public Infrastructure
Under the agreement, India and Brazil will work together across a broad range of strategic areas.
Key areas of cooperation include:
- Universal connectivity
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
- Emerging technologies
- Capacity building
- Exchange of technical knowledge
- Sharing of best practices
Speaking on the development, Scindia said the MoU would strengthen bilateral collaboration and promote knowledge exchange in critical technology sectors.
The agreement is also expected to support efforts aimed at improving digital access and strengthening digital ecosystems in both countries.
Framework for Research, Innovation and Technology Exchange
The MoU creates opportunities for increased cooperation in research and innovation related to next-generation communication technologies.
Officials expect the framework to facilitate:
- Joint technology discussions
- Knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Research collaborations
- Development of digital infrastructure
- Exchange of expertise in telecom technologies
The agreement provides a platform for identifying future projects and initiatives that can be pursued jointly by the two countries.
Cooperation in Global Telecom and Technology Forums
India and Brazil have also highlighted the importance of working together in international discussions related to telecommunications and technology.
The two countries are expected to coordinate more closely on:
- Global telecom standards
- Digital governance issues
- Emerging technology policies
- International technology forums
Such cooperation could help both countries strengthen their role in shaping the evolving global digital ecosystem.
MoU Signed During India’s BRICS Chairship
The agreement comes during India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, when issues such as digital transformation, trusted technologies and connectivity have featured prominently in discussions among member nations.
India has been actively promoting its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and encouraging collaboration among BRICS countries in areas related to digital services, innovation and technology-driven development.
The telecom agreement with Brazil aligns with these broader objectives and reflects the growing importance of digital cooperation within the BRICS framework.
India-Brazil Partnership Extends Beyond Telecom
India and Brazil share a longstanding strategic relationship covering multiple sectors, including:
- Trade and investment
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Science and technology
- Digital innovation
- Cybersecurity
As both countries continue to invest in digital transformation and critical infrastructure, cooperation in telecommunications and ICTs is becoming an increasingly important pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Agreement Creates Pathway for Future Collaboration
While the MoU does not immediately commit either country to specific projects or investments, it establishes a structured mechanism through which future initiatives can be developed.
The agreement is expected to facilitate collaboration on digital infrastructure, technology innovation, connectivity and cybersecurity, creating new opportunities for cooperation between two of the world’s leading emerging economies.
With India and Brazil seeking a greater role in shaping the global technology agenda, the MoU represents an important step towards strengthening bilateral digital and telecommunications cooperation.
