In a recent interview conducted under the auspices of TASS, Yuri Ushakov, the Vice President of the Russian Federation, outlined a path for BRICS to strengthen information security collaboration. He explained that Russia has invited BRICS members to sign a memorandum focused on information security, signaling a concerted effort to deepen cooperation in safeguarding digital infrastructure across the bloc.
Ushakov noted that the proposal envisions a structured exchange of information on computer incidents. The aim is to elevate joint capabilities in preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats, while fostering closer coordination among BRICS partners in cyber defense. This framework would enable participants to share threat intelligence, incident reports, and best practices in a timely and secure manner, thereby reducing response times and improving collective resilience against cybercrime and state-sponsored cyber operations.
According to the Russian official, rapid advances in technology bring new opportunities for misuse, which necessitates a universal set of rules, norms, and principles of responsible behavior in cyberspace. Ushakov asserted that Russia hopes to garner backing for its proposals to establish information exchange mechanisms on computer incidents within BRICS and to finalize a memorandum of understanding on information security. The effort reflects a strategic intent to set common standards that can guide member actions and reduce ambiguities in cross-border cyberspace activities.
In addition, the ambassador indicated that there are no plans for BRICS to conduct joint military exercises at this stage. The organization’s current focus remains on economic development, political dialogue, and mutual collaboration across non-mmilitary domains. The absence of military-technical cooperation in the near term signals a preference for civilian-led security initiatives that emphasize governance, resilience, and cooperative defense against cyber threats rather than conventional armed collaboration.
Meanwhile, the BRICS discussions include invitations for broader participation. Former BRICS leaders announced that Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia are expected to become full members of the alliance. This expansion is viewed as a strategic move to diversify the bloc’s geographic reach and to incorporate additional regional perspectives on global priorities, including information security, digital governance, and economic collaboration. The incoming members bring a mix of regulatory environments, cyber capabilities, and policy priorities that could influence the trajectory of BRICS initiatives in cyberspace and beyond.