BRICS Delegates Visit Buddhist Heritage Site During Youth Ministerial Meeting in India

Source: ANI (Asian News International) | Original Published At: 2026-08-22 06:35:00 UTC

Key Points

• Youth and sports ministers and representatives from 11 BRICS member countries visited Thotlakonda on August 22 as part of the BRICS Youth Ministerial Meeting.
• India's Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya accompanied the delegates and planted saplings at the site.
• Delegates explored the Maha Stupa, ancient wells, kitchen complex and meditation centres, with a guide explaining the site's Buddhist history.
• Mandaviya said the delegates appreciated India's Buddhist heritage and its global significance.
• A Russian delegate praised the historic site and expressed hope that it would attract more tourists.