RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said BRICS countries are studying payment-system linkages and central bank digital currencies to make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper.
Analysts identify shared energy and economic interests that could support BRICS diplomatic coordination despite differences among members.
The 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting and BRICS Culture Working Group meetings concluded in Bhopal with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, covering UNESCO joint nominations, a shared digital platform, cultural property protection, and people-to-people exchange.
Brazilian President Lula is expected to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly and may meet U.S. President Donald Trump, while presidential aides say he is unlikely to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
More than 15 delegates from the BRICS Culture Working Group and Ministerial Group visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in India’s Madhya Pradesh.
The 3rd BRICS Meeting showcased India’s cultural heritage through an AI-powered demonstration by ImmverseAI’s BharatiyaGPT, bringing ancient manuscripts into interactive digital exploration for BRICS leaders and ministers.
Mumbai will host the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026 on August 11-12, focusing on climate resilience, urban heat, transport, air pollution, housing, and AI-enabled governance.
At the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, Indonesia advocated wider MSME financing access, resilient global value chains and stronger multilateral trade cooperation.
BRICS competition authorities met in Udaipur to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement, digital markets, and renewable energy competition.
