China proposed establishing a BRICS AI Open Source Zone at the 2026 BRICS Summit to strengthen cooperation in large language models, AI training, and open-source technologies. The initiative expands BRICS cooperation in technology and supports its broader agenda in trade, investment, supply chains, and the digital economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of a BRICS AI Open Source Zone during the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with China offering to take a leading role in developing the initiative.
The proposal is intended to expand cooperation among BRICS economies in large language models, AI training and open-source artificial-intelligence ecosystems. It was presented alongside broader initiatives for economic and technological cooperation among the expanded BRICS membership.
The initiative adds AI infrastructure and technology collaboration to a BRICS agenda already focused on trade, investment, supply chains, MSMEs and industrial cooperation. India’s 2026 BRICS presidency has also promoted cooperation in digital trade, startups and global value chains.