Xi Jinping Proposed BRICS Artificial Intelligence Initiative
The Chinese leader introduced a framework for shared AI development at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed an open-source, inclusive artificial intelligence initiative among BRICS nations to foster new industrialization. The proposal aims to bridge technological gaps by facilitating joint research, training, and shared applications among developing countries.
Why it matters
Many developing nations currently lack access to advanced technologies controlled by developed powers. This initiative seeks to provide BRICS members with collaborative solutions tailored to their specific economic and social requirements.
The initiative promotes AI-empowered industrialization through open-source models, technical exchanges, and cybersecurity testing. China is already providing AI-based meteorological and seismological technologies to Indonesia, which encompasses 17,000 islands.
The players
Xi Jinping
He is the President of the People's Republic of China who introduced the AI collaboration proposal.
BRICS
It is an intergovernmental organization comprising major emerging economies that met recently in New Delhi.
The details
The framework envisions comprehensive cooperation through joint research, verification procedures, and ongoing technical support. By pooling resources, participating nations expect to better address supply chain challenges and increase global participation in the AI economy.
Timeline
The 18th BRICS Summit occurred from September 12 to 13, 2026.
The Tech Race
This move signals a broader transition toward creating sovereign or regional AI ecosystems that challenge the dominance of Western-controlled platforms. It positions BRICS as a collective force aimed at reducing technological dependency on developed nations.
Users in member nations may eventually see improved disaster forecasting and more localized digital services through this shared technology. The initiative could also shift the availability of industrial software tools and collaborative research platforms for developers in these regions.
The takeaway
Developing nations are increasingly pursuing collaborative technological frameworks to bypass barriers to entry in the global AI market. Readers should monitor these partnerships for potential shifts in the availability of open-source research and regional infrastructure support.
Further reading
For broader context on international policy, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
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Do you believe international cooperation on artificial intelligence helps developing nations narrow their technological gaps?
