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India Joins BRICS Industrial Hub to Boost Manufacturing & MSME Competitiveness

India has officially joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies, signing a Trust Fund Agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. The National Productivity Council will serve as the India Centre, spearheading the country's engagement under the guidance of DPIIT. The centre aims to provide integrated support to manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS nations, with a focus on strengthening Industry 4.0 competencies. The initiative is designed to enhance productivity, foster technology sharing, and build resilience and innovation within the industrial sector.

Key Points: India Joins BRICS Industrial Competencies Centre

  • India signs Trust Fund Agreement with UNIDO
  • National Productivity Council named India Centre
  • Focus on Industry 4.0 and MSME support
  • Aims for capacity building and advanced manufacturing
2 min read

India joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

India formalizes participation in BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies to strengthen Industry 4.0 capabilities and support MSMEs.

"a platform for SMEs' access to technology & knowledge-sharing - UNIDO India"

New Delhi, February 4

India has joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in the national capital on Wednesday.

The BCIC, launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), serves as a one-stop centre providing integrated support services to manufacturing companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across BRICS countries, with a focus on strengthening Industry 4.0 competencies, according to a release.

The agreement was inked between Agrim Kaushal, Economic Adviser, DPIIT and Cristiano Pasini, Director, UNIDO. "On the occasion, a Trust Fund Agreement was signed between DPIIT and UNIDO. The Agreement was signed by Economic Adviser, DPIIT, Agrim Kaushal, and Director, UNIDO, Dr Cristiano Pasini, formalising India's participation in the BCIC framework," the Ministry said.

The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. "Under the policy guidance of DPIIT and with technical support from UNIDO, NPC will spearhead India's engagement with BCIC and contribute to capacity building, productivity enhancement and adoption of advanced manufacturing practices," the ministry noted.

The event was also presided over by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT and was attended by Neerja Sekhar, Director General, NPC, along with senior officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of MSME, the Ministry of External Affairs, representatives from UNIDO, and industry partner Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

"@UNIDO's BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) is a platform for SMEs' access to technology & knowledge-sharing. We stand ready to support 's #BRICS2026 Chairship vision 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation & Sustainability' together with @DPIITGoI & NPC," UNIDO India said on X.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, a focus on Industry 4.0 for our small industries. Many family-run businesses want to modernize but don't know where to start. A one-stop centre with UNIDO's expertise sounds perfect. Let's hope the implementation is swift and effective.
R
Rohit P
Good move diplomatically and economically. Strengthening ties within BRICS, especially on industrial competency, reduces dependency on Western tech blocs. This is strategic positioning for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' on a global stage.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in manufacturing, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've seen many agreements signed. The key will be tangible outcomes: easier access to financing for tech upgrades, practical training modules, and real market linkages with other BRICS nations.
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Nikhil C
The involvement of FICCI is crucial. Industry bodies must bridge the gap between policy and the shop floor. Hope they actively gather feedback from MSME clusters in Tirupur, Ludhiana, Rajkot etc. Local challenges need localised solutions, even in a global framework.
K
Kavya N
Building for Resilience and Sustainability – that's the need of the hour. Learning from China's manufacturing efficiency and Brazil's agro-processing tech, while sharing our IT and pharma expertise, can create a powerful synergy. Exciting times ahead for Indian entrepreneurs! ✨
M

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