Minister of State Jitendra Singh, centre, and others during the BRICS Science Ministerial Meet, in Chennai
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The 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meet chaired by India in Chennai on Saturday adopted a Declaration reaffirming BRICS commitment to build effective, resilient and future- ready framework in science, technology and innovation (STI).The Chennai Consensus, adopted under India’s BRICS Chairship, places a “people-centred and humanity-first approach at the heart of STI cooperation, with emphasis on sustainable development, resilient and high-quality growth, social inclusiveness and the use of innovation and technology to improve the welfare and quality of life of people across BRICS nations.In the closing session of the Meet, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the breadth of discussions, from Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing to quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, health, climate and sustainability, reflects the shared opportunities and challenges that BRICS countries can address through collective action.The Chennai Consensus records the growing maturity and depth of BRICS STI cooperation, with sustained activity across 14 thematic Working Groups, 11 editions of the BRICS Young Scientist Forum, nine editions of the Young Innovators Prize and nine BRICS STI Framework Programme calls.The Declaration further welcomes the BRICS Youth Startup Platform, while recognising the need to catalyse financing for early- and growth-stage start-ups and recording the consideration of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund in the BRICS Industry Ministers’ Declaration.The Action Plan also provides a framework for greater access to research infrastructure, joint research and capacity building, including through the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network (BRICS GRAIN).The next Ministerial Meeting is scheduled under China’s Chairship in 2027.Published on August 22, 2026
