Union Minister of State for Communication Manoj Sinha today called upon BRICS countries to galvanise its strengths in building synergies for high tech products and develop standards of services in rural areas.<br/><br/>Speaking at the inaugural session of the two day meeting of BRICS communication ministers in Bengaluru today, he called upon members to identify challenges and best practices in policy, regulatory and security domains to meet the ever changing needs of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) environment.<br/><br/>He advocated setting up of a BRICS institute of future networks to work on telecom technologies with equal participation. He emphasised on building Responsive, Inclusive and collective Solutions to bridge digital divide. He added that ICT is a key enabler for sustainable development, strengthening security and improving the quality of life. <br/><br/>He also called upon members to identify challenges and best practices in policy, regulatory and security domains to meet the ever changing needs of ICT environment. He advocated setting up of a BRICS institute of future networks to work on telecom technologies with equal participation. He said, India has taken initiative to bridge digital divide through Digital India programme.<br/><br/>Noting that BRICS countries are not yet among top 20 countries among Global innovation index, the Minister said that BRICS as a platform can converge energies to bridge inequities among the member countries. Telecom ministers from the BRICS countries are taking part in the two day meeting called to work out strategies for greater cooperation in the field of Information Communication Technology.