BRICS Conference in Moscow highlights connectivity and technological sovereignty
Moscow, July 14
An international conference titled "Strengthening BRICS Connectivity: Fostering Cooperation" was held in Moscow during India's BRICS Chairship, bringing together policymakers, diplomats and experts from Russia, India, Brazil, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across transport, trade, technology and resource security.
The conference focused on enhancing the resilience of transport and trade corridors, securing critical supply chains and expanding technological cooperation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The recommendations formulated during the discussions are expected to contribute to the agenda for the upcoming BRICS Summit in September, as reported by TV BRICS.
Addressing the gathering, Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, described BRICS as a key platform capable of shaping a new model of global governance. She stressed that resilient transport connectivity, diversified supply chains and independent technological ecosystems are essential for ensuring the economic security of BRICS nations.
Russia's BRICS Sous-Sherpa and Ambassador-at-Large Pavel Knyazev said the grouping has evolved into a strategic partnership, guided by principles that serve not only member states but also the wider Global South.
India's Deputy Chief of Mission in Russia, Nikhilesh Giri, highlighted the importance of technological collaboration among BRICS members and reiterated India's call for reforms in global institutions, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Experts also examined the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Northern Sea Route as alternative logistics networks capable of strengthening trade resilience. Discussions further covered value-added processing of raw materials, infrastructure financing through the New Development Bank (NDB), digitalisation of ports and customs, green industrial transformation and the development of common principles for artificial intelligence.
The conference was jointly organised by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia and India's Observer Research Foundation (ORF) under the framework of the BRICS Think Tanks Council (BTTC), reaffirming the grouping's commitment to deeper economic, technological and strategic cooperation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm cautiously optimistic. While technological sovereignty sounds great, we need to ensure these collaborations actually translate to jobs and growth back home. Also, reforming UN, IMF, and World Bank is long overdue - these institutions were designed after WWII and don't reflect today's reality. Hope the September summit delivers concrete outcomes.
Good initiative but we must be realistic. China dominates BRICS economically and will try to steer AI and tech cooperation to its advantage. India needs to be very careful about data sovereignty and ensure our startups and researchers have equal footing. Otherwise we'll just become a market for Chinese AI products.
Love seeing India take a leadership role during our chairship! The focus on green industrial transformation and digitalisation of ports is exactly what we need. Also, the New Development Bank funding infrastructure projects in BRICS nations is smart - we should access NDB funds for India's port modernisation.
As someone working in logistics, the INSTC is a game-changer. Currently, shipping goods from Mumbai to St. Petersburg takes 30-40 days via Suez. INSTC could cut that to 15-20 days through Iran and Azerbaijan. But the Chabahar port situation needs to be sorted first - US sanctions make things complicated. Still, positive step forward.
What about the two-state solution and Palestine? BRICS should be addressing geopolitical crises too, not just trade corridors. But yes, technological independence from the West is crucial. India should push for open-source AI frameworks and joint research in semiconductors. We can't remain dependent on Taiwan for chips forever.