The XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting concluded in Bhopal under India's BRICS Chairship with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, providing a practical framework for strengthening cultural cooperation among BRICS member states and partner countries. The meeting witnessed participation from 14 countries including 10 BRICS Member Countries (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates) and 4 Partner Countries (Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan, and Thailand), with Egypt participating online. A total of 55 delegates attended the meetings, which were guided by India's BRICS theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
The Bhopal Declaration advances cooperation in cultural and creative industries through exchange of methodologies, experiences, and best practices, with specific focus on support for creators, networking, and market access through digital tools. It provides for enhanced cooperation on UNESCO multinational nominations, provenance research, and return/restitution of cultural property including exploration of AI-enabled tracing tools. The declaration also covers safeguarding Traditional Knowledge Systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions, cooperation among museums, libraries and archives in documentary heritage, digitization and conservation, and protection of creators' rights in relation to AI systems.
India announced a pilot initiative to develop a Voluntary Artist Registry to facilitate cultural exchanges, strengthen professional networks, and create opportunities for artists across BRICS nations. A major cultural component was the two-day BRICS Culture Festival held on 6-7 August 2026 in Bhopal, featuring cultural performances from Belarus, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and United Arab Emirates, centered on the Indian ethos of "Harmony and Peace to All" with a collective ensemble performance in languages of participating countries.
The program included bilateral engagements at the level of Union Minister of Culture and Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and cultural site visits to Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Sanchi Buddhist heritage site, and Bhimbetka prehistoric rock shelters. India expressed appreciation to all participating countries and reaffirmed commitment to continued cultural cooperation within BRICS.