Agreement covers AI, 5G/6G, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, satellite connectivity and other emerging technologies
New Delhi : India and Brazil have taken a significant step towards strengthening cooperation in telecommunications and digital technologies with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Telecommunications and Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs).
The agreement was signed on 21 August 2026 in Pune on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting and the BRICS ICT Track Meeting.
India was represented by Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, while Brazil’s Minister of Communications Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed on behalf of the Brazilian government.
MoU to Promote Digital Innovation and Infrastructure
The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation between India and Brazil in the telecommunications and ICT sectors.
The partnership will focus on:
- Promoting digital innovation
- Expanding and strengthening digital infrastructure
- Developing emerging technologies
- Improving universal and meaningful connectivity
- Sharing technical expertise and best practices
- Supporting capacity building and knowledge exchange
The cooperation is aimed at creating a more secure, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem in both countries.
Key Technology Areas Covered
The India-Brazil MoU covers several strategic areas that are expected to shape the next generation of digital connectivity.
These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G and 6G technologies, Open RAN, Internet of Things (IoT), Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
The agreement also includes cooperation in:
- Cybersecurity and trusted digital systems
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems
- Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs)
- Spectrum and satellite management
- Optical fibre networks
- Submarine cable infrastructure
- Digital inclusion
- Capacity building
- Knowledge and experience sharing
- Reducing the environmental impact of ICT infrastructure
Scindia Highlights Secure and Inclusive Digital Future
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said the agreement would deepen cooperation between India and Brazil across a wide range of digital technologies.
The partnership will strengthen collaboration in areas such as universal connectivity, cybersecurity, Digital Public Infrastructure, emerging technologies, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
Scindia described the agreement as an important step towards building a secure and inclusive digital future through stronger India-Brazil cooperation.
Agreement Signed During India’s BRICS Chairship
The MoU was signed during India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026.
The BRICS ICT Track was organised under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”
The agreement therefore assumes significance not only for bilateral relations but also for cooperation between the two countries within the broader BRICS framework.
Focus on 5G, 6G and Future Networks
Next-generation communication technologies are among the key areas covered by the agreement.
India and Brazil will have opportunities to exchange expertise and explore cooperation in 5G and future 6G networks, Open RAN and other emerging connectivity technologies.
The focus on Direct-to-Device connectivity, LEO satellites and Non-Terrestrial Networks also reflects the growing importance of technologies that can extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
Digital Public Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Digital Public Infrastructure is another important component of the partnership.
India has developed large-scale digital platforms and public digital systems, while Brazil has also made significant progress in digital public services. Greater exchange of experiences could help both countries explore new approaches to delivering digital services to citizens.
Cybersecurity is another priority area, particularly as dependence on digital infrastructure continues to increase.
Cooperation in cybersecurity and trusted digital systems is expected to support efforts to build safer and more resilient digital networks.
Potential for Research and Knowledge Exchange
The MoU provides an institutional framework for cooperation that can facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, expertise and best practices.
It could also create opportunities for joint research, innovation, capacity-building programmes and collaboration between relevant institutions and stakeholders in the two countries.
The agreement itself does not represent an immediate financial commitment but establishes a mechanism through which future cooperation and projects can be developed.
Why the India-Brazil Partnership Matters
India and Brazil are among the world’s major emerging economies and have increasingly ambitious digital-development goals.
Stronger cooperation in telecommunications and ICT can help both countries address common challenges, including:
- Expanding connectivity in underserved regions
- Building secure digital infrastructure
- Developing next-generation communication networks
- Promoting digital inclusion
- Supporting AI and emerging technologies
- Developing technical skills and human resources
- Sharing innovative digital solutions
The partnership could also strengthen coordination between the two countries in international forums and within the BRICS framework.
Second Major Telecom Cooperation Initiative in 2026
The latest MoU follows discussions earlier in 2026 between India and Brazil on areas including 5G use cases, 6G technologies, quantum communications and digital infrastructure.
The latest agreement therefore represents a further step towards building a broader and more structured technology partnership between the two countries.
India-Brazil Digital Partnership Gains Momentum
The signing of the MoU marks another milestone in the strategic relationship between India and Brazil.
With telecommunications, AI, satellite connectivity, cybersecurity and next-generation networks becoming increasingly important to economic development and national security, the agreement provides both countries with a platform to expand cooperation in these critical sectors.
The partnership is expected to encourage innovation, knowledge sharing, digital inclusion and the development of secure and resilient digital infrastructure, further strengthening India-Brazil cooperation in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
