In a significant move to bolster the manufacturing sector, India has officially joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC). The announcement was made during an event organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi. This initiative, launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), serves as a dedicated platform to support manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS nations.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT)
UNIDO
National Productivity Council (NPC)
Industry 4.0 & MSME Support
The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the specific "India Centre" for this initiative. Its responsibilities include:
- Spearheading India's engagement with the BCIC framework.
- Leading capacity-building efforts for domestic industries.
- Enhancing productivity and facilitating the adoption of advanced manufacturing practices.
- Working under the policy guidance of DPIIT and technical support from UNIDO.
To formalize this partnership, a Trust Fund Agreement was signed between DPIIT and UNIDO. The signatories were Shri Agrim Kaushal (Economic Adviser, DPIIT) and Dr. Cristiano Pasini (Director, UNIDO). The event was presided over by the Secretary of DPIIT, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia.
The BCIC acts as a "one-stop centre" aimed at providing integrated support services. Its main goal is to strengthen Industry 4.0 competencies—which involves the digitization of manufacturing—helping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in BRICS countries remain competitive in the global market.
Based on the official press release from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry dated Feb 04, 2026.
Official PIB Release ID: 2222956