India’s BRICS Chairship: Two-Day Standards Bodies Meet Kicks Off in Bengaluru

India inaugurated a two‑day meeting of the Heads of the National Standards Bodies (NSBs) of BRICS countries in Bengaluru, under its BRICS Chairship. Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi highlighted India’s commitment to inclusive, consensus‑based standardisation for global development. The meeting achieved consensus on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in standardisation, aimed at strengthening quality infrastructure, consumer protection and reducing technical barriers to trade. Delegates noted that harmonising standards across BRICS – which accounts for about 49.5% of the world’s population and 40% of global GDP – can deliver significant economic benefits. The summit will continue on 17 July with a workshop on AI standardisation involving BIS and other BRICS standards authorities.