BRICS New Delhi Declaration: The New Delhi Declaration is expected to give fresh momentum to economic collaboration among BRICS nations while encouraging women-led innovation and strengthening digital and telecommunications infrastructure.
Industry representatives have welcomed the focus areas outlined in the declaration, but stressed that the commitments must now translate into practical initiatives that create measurable benefits for businesses, economies and citizens.
BRICS New Delhi Declaration Focuses on Concrete Action
BRICS CCI Chairman Sameep Shastri described the declaration as an important move towards creating a more inclusive and representative global system. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during India’s BRICS Presidency.
According to Shastri, the declaration’s emphasis on the Global South, economic partnerships, innovation and sustainable development provides significant scope for expanding cooperation between businesses across member countries.
He said the next phase should focus on turning the commitments outlined in the declaration into practical measures, stronger commercial partnerships and outcomes that can directly benefit people and economies.
Greater Focus on Women in Innovation and Science
Women’s participation in economic development has also received greater attention under the declaration.
Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI WE (Women Empowerment) and Founder of sheatwork, said the agenda reflects the importance being given to women-led development, particularly in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and digital participation.
Sinha emphasised that women’s contribution to science and innovation should receive stronger institutional support within the BRICS framework.
She also pointed to the Women in Innovation, Science & Entrepreneurship (WISE) initiative, which is built around three major areas: promoting innovation and collaboration, improving access to funding, and advocating for supportive policies.
The initiative has already gained recognition in countries such as South Africa and Brazil and aims to expand opportunities for women innovators and entrepreneurs across the broader BRICS+ ecosystem.
BRICS Declaration Gives Boost to Telecom and Digital Infrastructure
The telecommunications industry has also welcomed the declaration’s recognition of connectivity as an essential part of economic growth and national resilience.
Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said several priorities highlighted in the declaration are closely aligned with the telecom industry’s ongoing efforts.
These include greater cooperation on interoperable ICT security standards, telecommunications infrastructure and submarine cable networks.
Kochhar particularly welcomed the recognition of submarine cables as critical infrastructure for maintaining reliable and resilient communications networks.
He also highlighted the declaration’s focus on artificial intelligence safety and energy efficiency, saying these areas are increasingly important as telecom operators develop AI-driven networks.
Connectivity Seen as Key to Economic Development
The declaration’s treatment of telecommunications as an important contributor to peace, development and economic progress reinforces the idea that reliable connectivity should be regarded as essential national infrastructure.
For BRICS countries, the combination of stronger economic cooperation, support for women-led innovation and investment in resilient digital networks could create new opportunities for businesses and citizens.
The focus now shifts towards implementation, with industry stakeholders calling for the commitments in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration to result in measurable and practical outcomes.