Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, chaired a press conference on 1 June, 2026 at IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi, to brief the media on the forthcoming 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting, scheduled to be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on 4 - 5 June 2026.
The press conference was attended by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Smt. Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Dr. Arvind Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture; and other senior officials of the Ministry.
Addressing the media, Shri Aggarwal highlighted the importance of the meeting in advancing cultural cooperation among BRICS nations. He informed that the deliberations will focus on key areas such as the creative economy, protection and preservation of cultural heritage, and the contribution of culture to sustainable development. The meeting is expected to serve as a significant platform for member countries to exchange best practices, share experiences, and identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration in the cultural sector.
Secretary, Culture further stated that delegates from BRICS countries will participate in discussions aimed at strengthening cultural partnerships and promoting greater people-to-people engagement. As part of the programme, delegates will also experience India’s rich cultural diversity through specially curated cultural performances and heritage visits in Varanasi, reflecting the country's vibrant civilisational legacy.
The meeting is expected to further reinforce cultural ties among BRICS nations and contribute to the shared vision of inclusive growth, mutual understanding, and sustainable development through culture.
