BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal from Aug 6, declaration due Aug 8
Synopsis
Bhopal is the stage for a significant BRICS cultural milestone — India's presidency is using the third Culture Working Group meeting and the Culture Ministers' conclave to push a formal declaration on heritage, museums, and creative industries. With delegates from across BRICS nations converging and UNESCO heritage sites on the itinerary, this is as much a soft-power moment for India as it is a multilateral agenda-setting exercise.
Key Takeaways
Bhopal is hosting the third BRICS Culture Working Group meeting and BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting from 6–8 August 2025 .
The conference concludes on 8 August with the adoption of the BRICS Culture Ministers' Declaration on future cultural cooperation.
Three public exhibitions — Gyan Bharatam , Project Mausam , and Project Brihattar Bharat — are open at Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre throughout the event.
More than 125 artists will perform at the BRICS Cultural Festival as part of the 'Amritasya Madhya Pradesh' showcase.
Post-conference visits include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi on 8 August and an optional trip to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters on 9 August .
The event is organised under India's BRICS presidency by the Union Ministry of Culture in association with the Madhya Pradesh government .
Bhopal is hosting the third BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting and the BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting from 6 August 2025, drawing delegates from BRICS member and partner nations to advance cultural cooperation across heritage conservation, museums, creative industries, and people-to-people exchanges. The multi-day conference, running through 8 August, is expected to conclude with the adoption of a formal BRICS Culture Ministers' Declaration charting the roadmap for future multilateral cultural engagement.
India's BRICS Presidency at the Helm
The event is organised under India's BRICS presidency by the Union Ministry of Culture in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government. Union Culture Secretary Vivek Agrawal confirmed that delegations began arriving on Wednesday, 6 August, with the opening day dedicated to registration, accreditation, bilateral meetings, and exhibition visits ahead of formal plenary sessions. Delegates are also scheduled to visit the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, where demonstrations of traditional crafts and tribal culture will be presented, followed by a cultural programme.
Three Landmark Exhibitions Open to the Public
Three thematic exhibitions — Gyan Bharatam, Project Mausam, and Project Brihattar Bharat — opened at the Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre (Minto Hall) on Wednesday and will remain accessible to the public throughout the conference. According to Agrawal, the exhibitions collectively highlight India's manuscript heritage, ancient maritime linkages, and broader civilisational connections with the wider world.
Working Group Deliberations and Ministerial Agenda
The Culture Working Group convenes on 6 August to review the draft declaration and deliberate on cooperation in cultural heritage, museum practices, cultural industries, capacity building, and bilateral exchanges. Recommendations finalised by the working group will be placed before the Culture Ministers at their formal meeting on 8 August for endorsement and adoption.
BRICS Cultural Festival and Madhya Pradesh Showcase
Running alongside the ministerial sessions, the BRICS Cultural Festival will feature the 'BRICS Peace Song — Peace is the Language of the Land' and 'Amritasya Madhya Pradesh', a performance by more than 125 artists spotlighting the state's heritage traditions. Madhya Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Culture) Shiv Shekhar Shukla stated that all logistical arrangements are in place and that the event is designed to also project the state's cultural and tourism potential to an international audience.
Post-Conference Heritage Visits
Following the ministerial meeting on 8 August, delegates are scheduled to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi. An optional excursion to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is planned for 9 August, offering an additional window into India's prehistoric and early historical legacy. The declaration adopted on 8 August will set the agenda for BRICS cultural cooperation in the months ahead.
Point of View
However; BRICS cultural frameworks have historically produced aspirational language without binding follow-through. The real test is whether the roadmap adopted on 8 August translates into measurable cooperation — on repatriation of artefacts, joint museum programmes, or creative-industry trade — rather than another communiqué filed away until the next presidency.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal?
It is a multilateral conference held from 6 to 8 August 2025 in Bhopal, bringing together culture ministers and senior officials from BRICS member and partner countries to deliberate on heritage conservation, museums, cultural industries, and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a BRICS Culture Ministers' Declaration.
Why is India hosting the BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting?
India currently holds the BRICS presidency and has assigned the Union Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government, to organise the event. Hosting the meeting is part of India's broader presidency agenda to advance multilateral cultural cooperation.
What will the BRICS Culture Working Group discuss on 6 August?
The working group will review the draft BRICS Culture Ministers' Declaration and deliberate on cooperation in cultural heritage, museum practices, cultural industries, capacity building, and bilateral exchanges. Its recommendations will be placed before the ministers on 8 August for formal adoption.
What exhibitions are open to the public during the Bhopal BRICS meeting?
Three exhibitions — Gyan Bharatam, Project Mausam, and Project Brihattar Bharat — are open at the Kushabhau Thakre Convention Centre throughout the conference. They showcase India's manuscript heritage, ancient maritime links, and civilisational connections.
Which heritage sites will BRICS delegates visit after the ministerial meeting?
Delegates will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sanchi on 8 August following the ministerial session. An optional visit to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters is also planned for 9 August.
