India and Brazil yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICTs), with the agreement covering areas including AI, 5G and 6G, Open RAN, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure and universal connectivity.

The MoU was signed by India’s Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Brazil’s Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho on the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track Meeting in Pune.

The agreement seeks to advance digital innovation, strengthen digital infrastructure and foster technological cooperation in strategic and emerging areas of telecom and ICTs, the Communications Ministry said in a release yesterday.

“I am certain that this signing of the MoU will further deepen India-Brazil cooperation and pave the way for greater collaboration in universal connectivity, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, emerging technologies, capacity building and the exchange of best practices,” Scindia was quoted in the release as saying.

The framework provides for regular exchange of information, experiences and best practices, while both sides will explore mutually beneficial opportunities based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect, according to the release.

The areas identified for cooperation include telecommunications policies and regulations, artificial intelligence, 5G and 6G, Open RAN, Internet of Things, direct-to-device connectivity, low earth orbit satellites and non-terrestrial networks.

The agreement also covers spectrum and satellite/orbit management, digital infrastructure, optical fibre and submarine cables.

Beyond emerging technologies and infrastructure, the MoU includes cooperation on cybersecurity, universal and meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, consumer protection, private networks, digital transition and reducing the environmental impact of ICTs.