India has joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC), a new platform aimed at supporting manufacturing firms and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across BRICS countries. The initiative is designed to strengthen Industry 4.0 capabilities, improve productivity, and promote advanced manufacturing practices. The development marks a formal step in India’s participation in a BRICS-led industrial capacity-building framework.
What is BCIC?
The BCIC has been launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It functions as a one-stop centre for integrated support services to industry. Its focus areas include:
- Industry 4.0 adoption.
- Manufacturing competitiveness.
- Skills and capacity building.
- Support for MSMEs in industrial transformation.
India’s Institutional Role
A Trust Fund Agreement was signed between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and UNIDO to formalise India’s participation. The agreement was signed by the Economic Adviser, DPIIT, and the Director of UNIDO. The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. It will lead India’s engagement with BCIC under the policy guidance of DPIIT and technical support from UNIDO.
Significance for Industry and MSMEs
The initiative is important for India’s industrial modernisation agenda. It can help MSMEs access global best practices, digital tools, and productivity-enhancing methods. It also aligns with India’s broader push for manufacturing competitiveness, technology upgradation, and integration with international industrial cooperation platforms.
Institutional Participation and Next Steps
The event was attended by senior officials from DPIIT, the Ministry of MSME, the Ministry of External Affairs, UNIDO, and industry representatives. The BCIC is expected to support knowledge sharing, technical collaboration, and capacity development across BRICS economies, with India playing a central coordination role through NPC.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026