India is preparing to host the second meeting of the BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for June 4–5, 2026, as part of its ongoing BRICS Chairship. The high-level gathering will bring together representatives from BRICS member nations to deepen cultural cooperation and strengthen shared understanding under India’s guiding theme for 2026, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The announcement was made in New Delhi by Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, who noted that the two-day meeting will provide a structured platform for dialogue on cultural priorities of mutual interest. Officials from the Ministry of Culture emphasized that discussions will aim to enhance collaboration between cultural institutions, creative industries, and heritage preservation bodies across BRICS countries.
This meeting follows the first CWG session held virtually in April 2026, marking a continued effort to expand cultural engagement among member nations. The upcoming discussions in Varanasi will center on three major thematic areas: the growth of the creative economy with special attention to artificial intelligence in cultural and creative sectors; the protection and restitution of cultural property; and the intersection of culture with climate change and sustainable development.
According to the Ministry, these themes reflect a shared global commitment among BRICS members to encourage innovation in the cultural space, ensure ethical use of emerging technologies, safeguard cultural diversity, and strengthen efforts to preserve historical heritage.
India has historically played a significant role in advancing BRICS cultural cooperation, having hosted key meetings such as the BRICS Culture Ministers’ gatherings in Goa in 2016 and New Delhi in 2021. The Varanasi session further reinforces India’s position as an active contributor to cultural diplomacy within the grouping.
Following the Varanasi meeting, additional cultural events are planned under the BRICS framework, including a third CWG session in Bhopal, a BRICS Cultural Festival, a Culture Ministers’ Meeting, and a Theatre Festival later in the year. These initiatives aim to further deepen cultural exchange and promote long-term collaboration among participating nations.
