Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 22 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Friday said the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting in Chennai was guided by the vision of 'Vishwa Bandhu Bharat' reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the discussions focused on building a resilient and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Speaking to the media after the 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting, Singh said, 'We have had a very fruitful, constructive, and productive BRICS Science, Technology, Innovation Meet represented by the science ministers of the various member countries of the BRICS.'

'We have followed the theme of building an innovation system that is resilient, sustainable, and guided by the spirit of what Prime Minister Modi keeps reiterating, 'Vishwa Bandhu Bharat',' he added.

Singh announced the adoption of the Chennai Declaration, saying it would strengthen collective efforts among BRICS nations and contribute towards the welfare of the Global South.

'We have come out today with a Chennai Declaration, which is also known as a seat of academics and science. A declaration being released from Chennai will find its echo across the BRICS nations as well as the rest of the world as we collectively put together our efforts to cooperate and collaborate for the welfare of the Global South,' he said.

Earlier, he called for deeper cooperation among BRICS countries in frontier technologies, innovation financing and talent mobility to build a future-ready science and technology ecosystem focused on accessible, affordable and sustainable innovation.

Addressing the meeting in Chennai, Singh said stronger collaboration was needed as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology and high-performance computing reshape economies and societies.

He said BRICS, with its scientific talent and research capabilities, was well placed to build a cooperative innovation ecosystem. During India's BRICS Presidency in 2026, the theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.

Singh highlighted India's initiatives, including the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, BioE3 Policy and Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem, and invited BRICS partners to expand cooperation in frontier research, research infrastructure sharing, startup partnerships and capacity building.

He expressed confidence that the deliberations in Chennai would strengthen BRICS cooperation and contribute to a more innovative, resilient and sustainable future. (ANI)