Chennai, August 22, 2026: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, announced the unanimous adoption of the ‘Chennai Declaration’, reaffirming the BRICS countries’ commitment to building an effective, resilient and future-ready framework for cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI).

The declaration was adopted at the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation framework discussions held in Chennai, placing a people-centred and humanity-first approach at the core of BRICS cooperation in science and technology.

The Chennai Consensus gives special emphasis to the priorities of the Global South, young innovators and collaborative research. It seeks to strengthen partnerships among BRICS nations while promoting scientific cooperation aimed at addressing shared global challenges.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of placing people and human welfare at the heart of scientific and technological progress. The declaration also underlines the need for stronger collaboration, innovation-driven development and resilient research ecosystems among BRICS countries.

The Chennai Declaration is expected to provide a forward-looking roadmap for BRICS STI cooperation, with greater focus on inclusive innovation, emerging technologies, capacity building and opportunities for young researchers and innovators.

The initiative further strengthens India’s role in shaping the BRICS science and technology agenda and advancing collaborative research across the Global South.