India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies
India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies
Context
In February 2026, India formally joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC). This strategic move was solidified through a Trust Fund Agreement signed between India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as India's nodal center to spearhead engagement with the BCIC.
About the News
What is the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC)? The BCIC is a multilateral, public-private platform launched in partnership with UNIDO. It functions as a "one-stop center" providing integrated support to manufacturing firms and MSMEs across BRICS and BRICS Plus nations.
- Established: Launched at UNIDO headquarters in Vienna (April 2025).
- Foundation: Supported under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR).
- Primary Objective: To bolster industrial competitiveness and productivity by accelerating the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, IoT, Big Data) and sustainable manufacturing practices.
The Role of the National Productivity Council (NPC): As India's nodal agency, the NPC, operating under DPIIT's policy guidance, will lead capacity-building initiatives, facilitate technology transfers, and help MSMEs close productivity gaps through UNIDO's technical support.
Key Functions
- Industry 4.0 & Digital Support: Assists manufacturers in transitioning into "Factories of the Future" by integrating automation and digital innovation.
- Partnership & Matchmaking: Connects Indian enterprises with technology providers, research institutions, and potential business partners within the expanded BRICS+ network.
- Market Intelligence: Provides advisory services on market access, scaling operations, and internationalization of small businesses.
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes green manufacturing and energy efficiency to align with global sustainability standards.
Significance for India
- MSME Empowerment: India’s MSME sector (contributing ~30% to GDP) often struggles with the high costs of technology. BCIC provides a subsidized, structured pathway to global best practices.
- Global Value Chain Integration: Enables Indian firms to integrate more deeply into resilient BRICS supply chains, reducing dependence on non-member nations for critical industrial components.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India: Directly supports these missions by enhancing the global competitiveness and innovation-driven growth of local manufacturing.
- Diplomatic Leadership: Reinforces India's role as a key driver of the Global South’s industrial agenda, particularly as the BRICS bloc expands.
Conclusion
India’s entry into the BCIC marks a pivotal step toward bridging the "digital divide" in its industrial sector. By leveraging the expertise of UNIDO and the collective resources of the BRICS nations, India is positioning its MSME sector to lead the New Industrial Revolution, ensuring that "Make in India" also signifies "Innovate in India."