The XI BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting concluded on 8 August 2026 in Bhopal under India’s BRICS Chairship with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, marking a significant step towards strengthening cultural cooperation among BRICS Member States and Partner Countries. The Declaration provides a practical and forward-looking framework for deeper institutional cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity.
Led by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Ministerial Meeting brought together 14 countries, comprising 10 BRICS Member Countries and 4 Partner Countries, with a total of 55 delegates participating in the meetings. The Culture Track under India’s Chairship was built through three Culture Working Group meetings held in April, June and August 2026, providing a sustained platform for dialogue and cooperation on shared cultural priorities.
Guided by India’s overarching BRICS theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the deliberations focused on translating cultural dialogue into practical initiatives and strengthening institutional cooperation. The Bhopal Declaration advances collaboration in the cultural and creative industries and creative economy, including exchange of best practices, support for creators, professional networking and expanded market opportunities through digital tools.
The Declaration also strengthens cooperation in areas including UNESCO multinational nominations, provenance research and the return and restitution of cultural property, safeguarding Traditional Knowledge Systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions, and cooperation among museums, libraries and archives in documentary heritage, digitisation and conservation. It further addresses creators’ rights, transparency and fair remuneration in relation to the use of copyrighted works in Artificial Intelligence systems.
As a concrete initiative under the Culture Track, India announced a pilot initiative to develop a Voluntary Artist Registry, aimed at facilitating cultural exchanges, strengthening professional networks and creating greater opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS.
The Culture Track also witnessed high-level bilateral engagements at the level of the Union Minister of Culture and the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, providing opportunities to exchange views on strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation and exploring areas of mutual interest.
Following the Ministerial Meeting, delegations were taken to Sanchi to experience its significant Buddhist heritage. A visit to Bhimbetka is scheduled for the morning of 9th August, offering the participating delegations an opportunity to experience India’s prehistoric rock shelters and ancient cultural heritage.
The successful conclusion of the XI BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting and adoption of the Bhopal Declaration mark an important milestone in India’s BRICS Chairship. The outcomes reaffirm India’s commitment to fostering a more connected, inclusive and future-ready cultural partnership, with culture serving as a catalyst for dialogue, creativity, mutual understanding and sustainable development among BRICS nations.
