India has formally joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s manufacturing ecosystem and supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the area of Industry 4.0 competencies. The announcement was made at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi.
The BCIC, launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is envisioned as a one-stop centre offering integrated support services to manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS countries, with a focus on enhancing productivity, skills, and adoption of advanced manufacturing practices.
Trust Fund Agreement Signed with UNIDO
Marking India’s formal entry 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, UNIDO, thereby institutionalising India’s participation in the initiative.
The agreement is expected to facilitate structured cooperation between India and UNIDO in the areas of industrial capacity building, skills development, and technology adoption, particularly for MSMEs and manufacturing enterprises.
National Productivity Council Named India’s BCIC Centre
The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. Under the policy guidance of DPIIT and with technical support from UNIDO, NPC will lead India’s engagement with the BCIC.
In this role, NPC will contribute to:
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Capacity building and skills development
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Productivity enhancement in manufacturing
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Adoption of advanced and Industry 4.0 manufacturing practices
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Support for MSMEs and industrial enterprises
This institutional arrangement is expected to strengthen India’s integration into the BRICS industrial cooperation framework and help domestic enterprises upgrade their technological and managerial capabilities.
High-Level Participation at the Launch Event
The event was presided over by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, and was attended by Smt. Neerja Sekhar, Director General, NPC, along with senior officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of MSME, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Representatives from UNIDO and industry partner Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) were also present, highlighting the collaborative and multi-stakeholder approach of the initiative involving government, international organisations, and industry bodies.
Strengthening Industry 4.0 and MSME Competitiveness
The BCIC is designed to serve as a platform for integrated industrial support services, with a strong emphasis on Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and modern manufacturing competencies. By joining the BCIC, India aims to:
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Enhance the global competitiveness of its manufacturing sector
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Support MSMEs in technology adoption and productivity improvement
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Strengthen skills, processes, and quality standards across industries
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Leverage international cooperation within the BRICS framework
This initiative aligns with India’s broader objectives of manufacturing growth, MSME development, and industrial modernization.
Conclusion
India’s entry into the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies marks an important step in deepening international industrial cooperation and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities. With the National Productivity Council leading India’s engagement under DPIIT’s guidance and UNIDO’s technical support, the initiative is expected to play a key role in capacity building, productivity enhancement, and Industry 4.0 adoption, particularly for MSMEs. The move reinforces India’s commitment to building a competitive, technology-driven, and resilient manufacturing sector within the BRICS framework.
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Source: PIB
