BRICS countries have unanimously adopted the Chennai Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready framework for cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).
The declaration was adopted at the closing session of the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting, chaired by India. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, said the discussions reaffirmed the central role of STI in creating a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future.
The Chennai Consensus, adopted under India’s BRICS Chairship, puts a people-centred and humanity-first approach at the core of STI cooperation. It focuses on sustainable development, resilient growth, social inclusion and leveraging technology to improve quality of life across BRICS nations.
Focus on research infrastructure
A key outcome of the meeting was greater cooperation in shared research infrastructure and mega-science projects.
The declaration welcomes the action plan and terms of reference for the task force on research infrastructures and mega-science projects, along with progress towards operationalising the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network (BRICS GRAIN).
The framework seeks to improve access to research facilities, promote joint research and advanced technology development, facilitate researcher mobility and strengthen capacity building.
The Chennai Consensus also welcomes the BRICS Science and Research Repository, envisaged as a digital public good for mapping scientific institutions, researchers, research outputs, datasets, infrastructure and collaboration opportunities, subject to national regulations and data governance norms.
Boost for young innovators and startups
The declaration places strong emphasis on scientific talent and innovation. It encourages greater exchanges among young scientists and welcomes continued work through the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and BRICS Young Innovator Prize.
It also recognises progress under the BRICS STI Entrepreneurship Partnership aimed at strengthening links among incubators, accelerators and early-stage investors.
The BRICS Youth Startup Platform has also received support, alongside efforts to improve financing for early- and growth-stage startups. The declaration records consideration of a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund under the BRICS Industry Ministers’ track.
Frontier technologies in focus
Cooperation will span areas including Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing, quantum technologies, biotechnology, human health, advanced materials, nanotechnology, photonics, astronomy, geospatial technologies, renewable energy, ocean and polar science and disaster management.
Dr Jitendra Singh said BRICS STI cooperation must move beyond dialogue towards demonstrable outcomes through joint projects, shared platforms, coordinated research calls and open research infrastructure.
The meeting also endorsed the BRICS STI calendar of activities for 2026–2027. The next BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting is scheduled under China’s Chairship in 2027.
India’s Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, is intended to guide the partnership towards stronger research networks, talent mobility, shared infrastructure and practical innovation outcomes across the Global South.