BRICS can build durable cultural bridges that complement economic and political partnerships
Countries
Source: Lokmat Times | Original Published At: 2026-09-09 10:04:14 UTC
Key Points
- India assumed the BRICS chairship for the fourth time in 2026, with the agenda structured around political and security, economy and finance, and culture and people-to-people exchanges.
- The article says BRICS can use shared historical experiences and cultural diversity to foster mutual understanding and durable people-to-people ties.
- BRICS Civil Forum 2026 brought together nearly 80 civil society organisations, including 26 from India, and stressed institutional continuity and predictable financing for cultural cooperation.
- Proposals include establishing a BRICS culture fund and using digitisation and artificial intelligence to preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
- The article suggests cultural tourism corridors, a BRICS interactive heritage map, geographical indicators, digital marketplaces, and e-commerce to support artists and artisans.
- India could promote an Annual BRICS Culture Festival and culture diplomacy fellowships under the ICCR framework, placing women and youth at the centre of cultural cooperation.