The Ministry of Culture reported outcomes from the 1st and 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group meetings held under India's BRICS Presidency on April 29-30, 2026 and June 5-6, 2026. The meetings focused on Creative Economy and People to People cooperation, specifically addressing copyright and ethical artificial intelligence in the creative economy, strategies for cultural heritage protection, and return of cultural property.
Discussions centered on safeguarding the rights and interests of creators, artists, and cultural practitioners in the evolving digital environment, including issues relating to copyright protection, fair remuneration, and ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. The meetings emphasized strengthening intellectual property frameworks among BRICS Member States.
Cultural Heritage Protection and Return of Cultural Property were identified as priority areas, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation through continued dialogue, exchange of experiences and best practices, and coordinated efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property. Member States supported continued engagement on issues relating to the return and restitution of cultural property in accordance with their respective national legal and institutional frameworks.
The recommendations and deliberations from the 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting held in Varanasi have been formally shared with BRICS member states. This information was disclosed by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on July 30, 2026.