Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has stressed that technological innovation must remain sustainable, inclusive and centred around the needs of people, as he addressed the BRICS Communication Ministers’ Meet. Highlighting the rapid transformation taking place in the global communications and technology sectors, Scindia said innovation should not be viewed only through the lens of economic growth or technological advancement but also through its ability to improve people’s lives.
The minister underlined the need for countries to work together in developing communication systems and digital technologies that are accessible, resilient and environmentally sustainable. As emerging technologies continue to reshape economies and societies, he said the focus must remain on ensuring that the benefits of innovation reach people across regions and social groups.
The BRICS platform provides an important opportunity for member countries to exchange ideas and explore cooperation in areas related to telecommunications, digital infrastructure, connectivity and emerging technologies.
Scindia’s remarks reflect India’s broader emphasis on using technology as a tool for inclusion and development while ensuring that innovation remains responsible and sustainable.
Technology Must Serve People, Says Scindia
Addressing the meeting, Scindia emphasised that technological progress should ultimately serve people.
Innovation, he suggested, should not become disconnected from social needs. New technologies may transform industries and create economic opportunities, but their true value depends on whether they make essential services more accessible and improve the quality of life.
Digital technologies have already changed the way people communicate, access information, use financial services and interact with governments. However, access to technology remains unequal in many parts of the world.
The minister’s call for a people-centric approach highlights the importance of bridging the digital divide.
For technology to become truly inclusive, countries must focus not only on developing advanced systems but also on ensuring that people in rural, remote and economically disadvantaged communities can access and benefit from them.
Sustainable Innovation Becomes a Global Priority
Scindia also highlighted sustainability as a key element of future innovation.
The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, data centres, telecommunications networks and artificial intelligence has increased the demand for energy and resources. As countries continue to invest in technology, there is growing attention on the environmental impact of this expansion.
Sustainable innovation involves developing technologies and infrastructure that can support long-term growth while reducing environmental pressure.
This could include energy-efficient networks, renewable energy-powered infrastructure, responsible manufacturing and systems designed to reduce waste.
The challenge for governments and technology companies is to continue expanding connectivity without ignoring environmental concerns.
Scindia’s remarks suggest that the future of technological development should combine innovation with responsibility.
BRICS Cooperation in Communications
The BRICS grouping brings together major emerging economies and provides a platform for cooperation on a range of global issues.
Communication and digital connectivity have become increasingly important areas of discussion as countries seek to strengthen their digital economies.
The Communication Ministers’ Meet offers an opportunity for member countries to share experiences in expanding telecommunications infrastructure and delivering digital services.
Cooperation can also help countries address common challenges, including affordability, cybersecurity, access to remote regions and the development of next-generation communication technologies.
Scindia’s address highlighted the potential of collective action in creating more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems.
By sharing knowledge and technological expertise, BRICS countries can explore solutions suited to the needs of developing and emerging economies.
India’s Digital Transformation Experience
India has significantly expanded its digital infrastructure and public digital services over the past decade.
The country’s experience in areas such as digital payments, mobile connectivity and digital delivery of government services has attracted global attention.
India has often presented its digital public infrastructure model as an example of how technology can support inclusion at a large scale.
The government’s approach focuses on using digital systems to provide services to a large and diverse population while also encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
At the BRICS meeting, India’s experience could contribute to wider discussions on how emerging economies can develop communication infrastructure that is both affordable and accessible.
Scindia’s emphasis on a people-centric approach is closely connected to this idea.
Technology, according to this approach, should not remain limited to major cities, large companies or technologically advanced groups. Its benefits should reach communities that have traditionally remained outside the digital economy.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Despite rapid technological progress, the digital divide remains a major challenge across the world.
Millions of people still face difficulties accessing reliable internet connections and digital services. Rural and remote regions often require significant investment to build and maintain communication infrastructure.
For developing countries, the challenge is not only about introducing advanced technologies but also about ensuring basic connectivity.
A people-centric innovation strategy therefore requires governments to focus on affordability, accessibility and digital literacy.
Even the most advanced technology cannot create meaningful change if people cannot afford it or do not have the skills required to use it.
BRICS cooperation could help member countries develop policies and technologies that address these challenges.
By working together, countries can potentially reduce costs, share expertise and create systems that are better suited to the needs of large and diverse populations.
Emerging Technologies and Responsible Growth
The communications sector is entering a new phase as artificial intelligence, satellite communication, 5G and other emerging technologies become increasingly important.
These technologies have the potential to transform industries and improve connectivity. However, they also raise questions about sustainability, access, privacy and responsible use.
Scindia’s call for sustainable and people-centric innovation reflects the need to consider these issues alongside technological development.
Governments and industry leaders will need to ensure that innovation does not create new forms of inequality.
For example, advanced communication technologies should be designed to expand access rather than increase the gap between connected and unconnected communities.
Similarly, the environmental impact of large-scale technological infrastructure will need to be considered as countries expand their digital capabilities.
The Need for Global Collaboration
No country can address every technological challenge alone.
Digital networks and communication systems increasingly operate across borders. Issues such as cybersecurity, data protection, satellite connectivity and technology standards require international cooperation.
The BRICS Communication Ministers’ Meet provides a forum for countries to discuss these issues and identify areas where collaboration can be strengthened.
Scindia’s remarks underline the importance of building partnerships that focus not only on technological progress but also on shared development goals.
Collaboration among emerging economies could help create technology solutions that reflect the needs of developing nations rather than relying entirely on models developed for different economic and social conditions.
A Vision for Inclusive Technological Progress
Scindia’s address at the BRICS Communication Ministers’ Meet sends a broader message about the direction of future innovation.
Technology is advancing rapidly, but progress should not be measured only by how sophisticated new systems become.
The real measure of innovation, according to the people-centric approach, is whether it improves lives.
A sustainable technology ecosystem must therefore balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. At the same time, an inclusive ecosystem must ensure that the benefits of digital transformation are available to everyone.
As BRICS countries continue to expand their digital economies and communication networks, these principles could play an increasingly important role in shaping future policies.
Innovation With People at the Centre
Jyotiraditya Scindia’s call for sustainable and people-centric innovation highlights a growing global debate about the purpose of technology.
Innovation has the power to transform economies, strengthen communication and create new opportunities. But technological progress must remain connected to human needs.
The future of communication and digital development will depend not only on faster networks or more advanced technologies but also on whether those innovations are accessible, responsible and sustainable.
At the BRICS Communication Ministers’ Meet, Scindia emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of this transformation. As countries invest in the next generation of digital infrastructure and emerging technologies, the challenge will be to ensure that innovation creates a future that is not only more advanced but also more inclusive and sustainable.