The BRICS Culture Working Group meeting commenced in Bhopal on 5 August 2025, bringing together delegations from 10 member and partner nations to deliberate on cultural cooperation, heritage preservation, and the creative economy, according to a statement issued by the Madhya Pradesh government. The four-day gathering precedes the formal BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting and marks India's turn to steer the bloc's cultural agenda.

Key Developments on Day One

Delegations from India, Brazil, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, and Ethiopia attended the inaugural session in person at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre. Egypt participated through a hybrid mode. The first day's deliberations centred on India's priorities under the BRICS 'Culture Track', covering the creative economy, cultural and creative industries, heritage preservation, and culture-led sustainable development.

What the Government Said

Vivek Agrawal, Union Culture Secretary and Chair of the BRICS Culture Working Group, addressed the inaugural session, stating that the discussions reflected a shared belief that culture was 'not merely a legacy of the past but a driving force for innovation, resilience, inclusive growth and stronger people-to-people ties.' His remarks set the tone for a meeting that organisers say goes beyond ceremonial exchange toward actionable cultural frameworks.

Three Thematic Exhibitions Unveiled

Alongside the official proceedings, three exhibitions were opened to delegates. Project Mausam highlights the shared maritime heritage of nations connected through the Indian Ocean over more than two millennia, and presents the concept of a multinational UNESCO World Heritage nomination for interconnected maritime heritage sites. The Brihattar Bharat (Greater India) exhibition traces India's historical, cultural, spiritual, and intellectual links with countries across Asia through inscriptions, manuscripts, monuments, and artistic traditions. The Gyan Bharatam exhibition showcases India's manuscript heritage and the national initiative to preserve and digitally document ancient texts — more than 1.19 crore manuscripts have been documented under the initiative, with artificial intelligence deployed for their preservation.

Cultural Immersion for Delegates

In the evening, delegates visited the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, exploring India's folk and tribal traditions through open-air museum galleries, traditional architecture, and cultural exhibits. They also witnessed Kathak performances, folk songs by artists from Nagaland, and a cultural presentation depicting India's geographical and cultural diversity. A specially designed Madhya Pradesh pavilion drew attention by showcasing the state's UNESCO World Heritage sites, wildlife, tribal and folk art, handicrafts, tourism destinations, and local products.

What Comes Next

The working group sessions continue through 8 August, culminating in the BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting. The three thematic exhibitions will be open to the public on 7 and 9 August. This comes amid a broader push by India to use its BRICS chairmanship to foreground civilisational diplomacy — positioning culture not as a soft add-on but as a structural pillar of multilateral engagement.