Strengthening Industry 4.0 Capabilities
The BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies has been launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as a one-stop platform to provide integrated support services to manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS nations. The initiative places a strong emphasis on developing Industry 4.0 competencies, including digital manufacturing, smart production systems, and productivity-driven innovation.
With India’s manufacturing sector playing a crucial role in economic growth and employment generation, participation in BCIC is expected to help domestic enterprises adopt advanced technologies, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their competitiveness in global value chains.
Trust Fund Agreement Signed with UNIDO
As part of the formal induction into the BCIC framework, a Trust Fund Agreement was signed between DPIIT and UNIDO. The agreement was signed by Shri Agrim Kaushal, Economic Adviser, DPIIT, and Dr. Cristiano Pasini, Director at UNIDO, thereby institutionalising India’s role in the initiative.
The agreement establishes a structured mechanism for collaboration, enabling India to contribute to and benefit from capacity-building programmes, technical expertise, and global best practices in industrial development under the BRICS platform.
National Productivity Council to Lead India’s Engagement
The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. Operating under the policy guidance of DPIIT and with technical support from UNIDO, NPC will spearhead India’s engagement with the BCIC.
The council will focus on productivity enhancement, skill development, and the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices among Indian enterprises, particularly MSMEs, which form the backbone of the country’s industrial economy.
High-Level Participation and Industry Support
The event was presided over by DPIIT Secretary Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia and witnessed the presence of senior officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of MSME, and the Ministry of External Affairs. Director General of NPC, Smt. Neerja Sekhar, also attended the programme along with representatives from UNIDO.
Industry participation was ensured through the presence of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in driving industrial transformation and skill development.
Boost for MSMEs and Global Collaboration
India’s association with the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies is expected to deliver tangible benefits to MSMEs by providing access to international expertise, technology frameworks, and productivity benchmarks. It also reinforces India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in strengthening industrial resilience and inclusive growth.
The initiative aligns with national priorities such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, while also positioning Indian enterprises to better integrate with global manufacturing networks across BRICS countries.
