Archive · 22 Aug 2026
BRICS Adopts Chennai Declaration for Future-Ready Science Cooperation
BRICS countries agreed to a plan called the Chennai Declaration.
India led the meeting where the plan was adopted.
The plan says science and technology should mainly help people.
It focuses on sustainable growth, inclusion and improving quality of life.
The countries discussed artificial intelligence, health, climate and quantum technology.
They want to share research facilities and work on projects together.
The plan also supports young scientists, innovators and startups.
It says startups may need more financing.
The next science ministers’ meeting is planned under China’s chairship in 2027.
BRICS countries unanimously adopted the Chennai Declaration under India’s chairship.
The declaration puts a people-centred, humanity-first approach at the core of science, technology and innovation cooperation.
It covers artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, biotechnology, health, climate and sustainability.
BRICS cooperation includes 14 thematic working groups, 11 Young Scientist Forum editions, nine Young Innovators Prize editions and nine STI Framework Programme calls.
The plan supports youth startups, expanded research access and stronger joint projects, with the next ministerial meeting scheduled under China’s chairship in 2027.
- Who
- BRICS member countries and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who announced the adoption.
- What
- The countries unanimously adopted the Chennai Declaration, also called the Chennai Consensus, on science, technology and innovation cooperation.
- When
- The declaration was adopted on Saturday at the closing session of the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meet; one report was published on August 22, 2026.
- Where
- At the BRICS Science Ministerial Meet chaired by India in Chennai, with the report datelined New Delhi.
- Why
- To establish an effective, resilient and future-ready framework for science, technology and innovation cooperation focused on sustainable development, inclusion and public welfare.
- Declaration
- BRICS countries unanimously adopted the Chennai Declaration, also referred to as the Chennai Consensus.
- Chairship
- India chaired the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meet.
- Core approach
- The declaration emphasizes a people-centred and humanity-first approach to science, technology and innovation.
- Discussion areas
- Topics included artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, health, climate and sustainability.
- Existing cooperation
- BRICS STI cooperation includes 14 thematic Working Groups, 11 Young Scientist Forum editions, nine Young Innovators Prize editions and nine STI Framework Programme calls.
- Startup support
- The declaration welcomes the BRICS Youth Startup Platform and recognises the need to finance early- and growth-stage startups.
- Next meeting
- The next BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting is scheduled under China’s chairship in 2027.
