8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting

Current Context: The 8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting was held virtually. The Indian side was represented by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan. 

• The meeting helped to strengthen science and technology cooperation among BRICS nations
• The meeting was chaired under Russian Federation as Russia is the chair holder for BRICS 2020
• The meeting observed the adoption of BRICS STI Declaration 2020.
• While addressing the meeting, Dr Harsh Vardhan mentioned his view to developing cooperation to tackle COVID-19 pandemic
• He also highlighted that ‘COVID 19 pandemic has been a test, demonstrating that multilateral cooperation is the key to overcoming such global challenges
• He assured that India will also support scientific activities under BRICS MoU on Science, Technology and Innovation.