中文
By Xia Fangting and Huo Shuaihe
"BRICS Plus" countries should formalize innovation partnerships to drive development and increase their global influence, an Indian expert said at a BRICS forum.
Sameep Shastri, vice chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called this approach "Innovation Diplomacy" — a strategic combination of foreign policy, technology cooperation and multilateral partnerships that enables "BRICS Plus" countries to jointly tackle climate resilience, food security, digital equity and smart city challenges.
Shastri made the comments at a parallel session of the BRICS Seminar on Governance and Cultural Exchange Forum 2025.
Sameep Shastri (middle), vice chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaks at the BRICS Seminar on Governance and Cultural Exchange Forum 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 30, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the event organizer]
Shastri said "BRICS Plus," with its diversity in geography, demographics, development priorities and innovation capabilities, can serve as a "global laboratory" for creating joint solutions and building frameworks adaptable to the wider Global South. The approach offers an alternative to Western-led innovation models by emphasizing contextual innovation, affordability and inclusivity, he said.
Shastri called for "BRICS Plus" to move beyond declarations toward institutionalizing "Innovation Diplomacy" by establishing mechanisms including an Innovation Diplomacy Council, BRICS Plus Startup Corridors and Techno-Democracy Forums to facilitate structured cooperation among governments, industries, think tanks and young entrepreneurs.
The forum was co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, China International Communications Group and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics in Rio de Janeiro on June 30, 2025.
