Iran has put forward a proposal to develop a "BRICS digital super-ecosystem" as part of joint initiatives to expand communications infrastructure among the bloc's members, the head of the Communications and Information Technology Research Institute said, Istna reported.

The proposal marks Tehran's effort to deepen technology ties within BRICS as it seeks alternative partnerships under Western sanctions, presenting itself as a contributor to the bloc's digital infrastructure rather than a recipient. Mohammad Hossein Sheikhi made the remarks outlining the results of a visit to China and participation in the BRICS Future Networks Innovation Forum 2026 in Shenzhen.

Sheikhi said cooperation on developing digital infrastructure, data exchange and new technologies were among the main areas of focus for member states, and that the bloc was seeking to combine its scientific, industrial and technological capacities through joint mechanisms to develop the digital economy.

One of the most important subjects raised at recent BRICS meetings was cooperation on building a network of submarine cables among member states, Sheikhi said. The idea dates to 2016, and in 2025, on a Brazilian initiative, a working group was formed to study the technical and economic feasibility of a BRICS submarine cable.

He said the project aimed to strengthen strategic coordination on submarine and land cables, improve international digital connectivity, reduce the digital divide and increase the resilience of communications infrastructure.

He said BRICS communications ministers had stressed the development of an open, innovative and inclusive digital ecosystem with the participation of governments, industry, universities and investors.

Sheikhi said the proposed BRICS digital super-ecosystem was designed as a platform for international cooperation in the digital industry, enabling interaction between governments, companies, think tanks, industry associations and investors.

Planned components included online specialist communities, educational and knowledge bases, a network of think tanks and experts, virtual technology exhibitions, and financing and investment mechanisms.

He also pointed to the work programme of the BRICS next-generation communications study group in 2026, with specialist working groups covering network connectivity between members, future communications technologies known as Net2030, joint API platforms, interoperability of AI-based intelligent agents, and computing-communications networks.

Sheikhi said Iran had presented proposals for a "trusted network" at the China meeting, and that other countries had put forward reciprocal approaches for technological cooperation with Iran.