BRICS Nations Adopt Chennai Declaration for Science Cooperation

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the unanimous adoption of the Chennai Declaration, also known as the Chennai Consensus, during the closing session of the 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meet. Chaired by India, the meeting established a people-centered and humanity-first approach to cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI).

The framework introduces several key initiatives, including the operationalization of the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network (BRICS GRAIN), the creation of a BRICS Science and Research Repository, and the development of a BRICS Youth Startup Platform. These efforts focus on frontier technologies such as biotechnology, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence to specifically benefit the Global South.

As part of the agreement, the member nations endorsed the BRICS STI Calendar of Activities for 2026–2027. The ministerial process will now transition to the chairship of China for the 2027 meeting.