Varanasi to Host Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting, Advancing India’s Vision for Global Cultural Cooperation

In a significant step towards strengthening cultural bonds among emerging economies, India is set to host the second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting in the sacred city of Varanasi on June 4 and 5. This gathering forms an important milestone under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, reflecting the country’s commitment to using culture as a bridge for deeper international understanding and collaboration.

The Ministry of Culture has meticulously planned the event, which will bring together representatives from all BRICS nations. The meeting will focus on structured discussions aligned with India’s three key priority areas in the culture track, fostering meaningful dialogue on contemporary challenges and opportunities in the cultural domain.

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India’s BRICS Chairship 2026: A People-Centric Approach

India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026, under the overarching theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This vision places people at the centre of global development and promotes a humanity-first approach to multilateral cooperation. Culture has emerged as a vital pillar within this framework, enabling member nations to share experiences, protect shared heritage, and explore innovative ways to harness creative industries for sustainable growth.

The three priority areas guiding the culture track include the creative economy with emphasis on copyright and ethical use of artificial intelligence, the protection and repatriation of cultural property, and the role of culture in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development. These themes were introduced during the first virtual Culture Working Group meeting held in late April 2026.

The Timeless Appeal of Varanasi as a Venue

The selection of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is deeply symbolic. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River, Varanasi embodies India’s rich civilisational heritage and living cultural traditions. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage not only in formal discussions but also in immersive cultural experiences that highlight the city’s spiritual and historical significance.

On the sidelines of the meeting, participants will enjoy a special cultural programme on June 4, followed by a serene Ganga cruise and the mesmerising evening aarti on June 5. A visit to the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath is also planned for June 6, offering insights into India’s diverse spiritual legacy.

Key Discussions and Expected Outcomes

Over the two days, five thematic panel discussions will explore critical topics such as creative economy and people-to-people cooperation, copyright and ethical AI in creative sectors, cultural heritage protection and the return of cultural property, collaborative strategies for safeguarding shared heritage, and culture’s role as a driver of sustainable development. These conversations are expected to produce a detailed Outcome Document that will guide future cooperation and feed into higher-level BRICS meetings later in the year.

The meeting comes at a time when cultural diplomacy is gaining prominence in addressing global challenges, from technological disruptions in the creative fields to the preservation of heritage amid climate and environmental pressures.

Comprehensive Culture Track Calendar Under India’s Presidency

This Varanasi meeting marks the beginning of a vibrant series of cultural events planned throughout 2026. The calendar includes the third Culture Working Group meeting in Bhopal from August 5-6, followed by a BRICS Cultural Festival on August 6-7 and the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting on August 7-8, also in Bhopal. The track will conclude with a BRICS Theatre Festival in New Delhi from October 12-14. In total, India is organising four official culture track meetings during its chairship, underscoring its dedication to cultural exchange.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s decision to host the second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting in Varanasi highlights the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in shaping international cooperation. By placing culture at the centre of discussions on innovation, sustainability, and people-to-people engagement, the meeting reflects a broader effort to strengthen ties among BRICS nations beyond traditional economic and political frameworks. The focus on creative industries, ethical use of artificial intelligence, cultural property protection, and sustainable development demonstrates a forward-looking approach that seeks to balance heritage preservation with modern challenges.

The choice of Varanasi as the venue adds significant cultural and symbolic value to the event. As one of the world's oldest living cities, it offers delegates a unique opportunity to experience India's rich civilisational heritage while engaging in meaningful dialogue on global cultural issues. Through a series of discussions, cultural exchanges, and collaborative initiatives planned throughout its BRICS Chairship, India is reinforcing the role of culture as a catalyst for mutual understanding, stronger international partnerships, and long-term cooperation among emerging economies.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, News On Air, DD India)