The XI BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held in Bhopal today under India’s BRICS Chairship and concluded with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, providing a practical and forward-looking framework for strengthening cultural cooperation among BRICS Member States and partner countries.
The Bhopal Declaration, adopted today, advances cooperation in the cultural and creative industries and creative economy and expanded opportunities for market access through digital tools.
As a concrete initiative under the Culture Track, India announced a pilot initiative to develop a Voluntary Artist Registry. The initiative is envisaged to facilitate cultural exchanges, strengthen professional networks and create greater opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS.
A major cultural component of India’s BRICS Chairship was the two-day BRICS Culture Festival held in Bhopal on 6–7 August 2026. The Festival witnessed participation from BRICS Member and Partner Countries, with Belarus, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates presenting cultural performances showcasing the richness and diversity of their artistic traditions.
Centred on the timeless Indian ethos “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” — “Harmony and Peace to All” — the Festival provided a vibrant platform for cultural dialogue, artistic exchange and people-to-people connectivity. On the second day, a collective ensemble performance of the theme in the languages of participating BRICS countries symbolised unity through cultural diversity.
