BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers meet in Visakhapatnam; delegation tours Thotlakonda Buddhist site
Synopsis
With ministers from all 11 BRICS nations converging on Visakhapatnam, India is using its 2026 Chairship to push youth empowerment and sports cooperation onto the bloc's formal agenda — while a dawn visit to a first-century BCE Buddhist cliff monastery added rare cultural symbolism to the multilateral calendar.
Key Takeaways
Visakhapatnam is hosting the BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting on 22 August and the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting on 23 August 2026 .
Ministers and heads of delegation from all 11 BRICS member nations are participating under India's BRICS Chairship 2026 .
The BRICS delegation visited the ancient Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site overlooking the Bay of Bengal ahead of formal sessions.
Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya is chairing both meetings; Minister of State Raksha Khadse is also participating.
The Youth meeting is expected to adopt the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration and the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework .
The programme includes bilateral meetings, a BRICS Friendship Cycling Event on Beach Road, and an interaction with Andhra Pradesh CM N.
Visakhapatnam is hosting back-to-back high-level BRICS ministerial meetings on 22 and 23 August 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship for 2026, bringing together ministers and heads of delegation from all 11 BRICS member nations — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Ahead of the formal sessions, the visiting delegation toured the ancient Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site on Saturday morning, with the scenic cliff-top complex overlooking the Bay of Bengal offering dignitaries a window into Andhra Pradesh's deep cultural and historical roots.
Delegation Visits Thotlakonda
The pre-session visit to Thotlakonda — a first-century BCE Buddhist monastery complex perched above the Bay of Bengal — set a symbolic tone for the multilateral engagements. A sapling plantation drive was also organised at the site as part of the programme, underscoring the sustainability thread running through India's Chairship theme.
Youth Ministers' Agenda
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting on 22 August centres on deepening cooperation in youth development and empowerment across member states. Key discussion areas include education, skill development, entrepreneurship, well-being, and sustainable development. The session draws on recommendations from the earlier BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held in Gandhinagar, and is expected to adopt the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration along with the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework.
Sports Ministers' Meeting on August 23
The following day's BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting will reaffirm collective commitment to sports cooperation, with a focus on traditional and indigenous sports, sports technology, sports manufacturing, and innovation. All 11 member nations will deliver country statements before the session concludes with the adoption of a BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.
Key Officials Chairing the Meetings
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya is chairing both ministerial meetings. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse is participating in the proceedings. Senior officials including Secretary (Youth Affairs) Sunil Paliwal and Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao are closely associated with the engagements.
Broader Programme and Cultural Outreach
The two-day programme extends beyond formal sessions to include bilateral meetings, a BRICS Friendship Cycling Event along Beach Road, and cultural performances showcasing Andhra Pradesh's traditions. Delegates are also scheduled to interact with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. India's Chairship is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflecting a people-centric and humanity-first approach. As the grouping expands its footprint with new members, Visakhapatnam's hosting role signals India's intent to anchor BRICS diplomacy in its southern coastal corridor.
Point of View
Achieving a substantive Sports Joint Declaration — particularly on indigenous sports recognition — will test whether expanded BRICS can move beyond symbolism.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers' Meeting in Visakhapatnam?
It is a two-day high-level multilateral gathering held on 22 and 23 August 2026 in Visakhapatnam under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together youth and sports ministers from all 11 BRICS member nations to strengthen cooperation in youth development, empowerment, and sports.
Which countries are participating in the BRICS meetings in Visakhapatnam?
All 11 BRICS member nations are represented: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
What is the significance of the Thotlakonda Buddhist site visited by the BRICS delegation?
Thotlakonda is an ancient first-century BCE Buddhist monastery complex located on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Bengal near Visakhapatnam. The visit offered BRICS delegates a glimpse into Andhra Pradesh's rich cultural and historical heritage ahead of the formal ministerial sessions.
What outcomes are expected from the BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting?
The meeting is expected to adopt the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration and the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework, drawing on recommendations from the earlier BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held in Gandhinagar.
Who is chairing the BRICS ministerial meetings in Visakhapatnam?
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya is chairing both the Youth and Sports Ministers' meetings, with Minister of State Raksha Khadse also participating alongside senior officials Sunil Paliwal and Hari Ranjan Rao.
