Amid West Asia tensions, Iran and UAE expected to join Brics cultural meet

Source: Times of India | Original Published At: 2026-06-01 18:56:00 UTC

Key Points

• BRICS Cultural Working Group's second meeting will be held in Varanasi, India from June 4-5, 2026
• Iran and UAE expected to participate despite ongoing West Asia geopolitical tensions
• Priority discussion areas include AI in cultural domains, repatriation of cultural property, and sustainable development
• Minister-level BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting scheduled for August 7-8 in Bhopal, followed by BRICS cultural festival
• India hosting BRICS culture meetings under its 2026 presidency, having previously hosted in 2016 (Goa) and 2021 (New Delhi)
• BRICS Cultural Working Group operates under 2015 intergovernmental agreement on cultural cooperation
• BRICS currently has 11 full members with 10 partner countries joining in 2025