BRICS Delegates Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
International delegates from BRICS nations explored India’s deep spiritual traditions during a formal visit to the historic Jyotirlinga Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The cultural excursion took place alongside the official diplomatic proceedings of the second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting hosted in the ancient city.
Key Highlights
- Foreign delegates visited the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
- The excursion coincided with the second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting running from June 4.
- Diplomats from nine nations engaged in discussions on the creative economy, digital innovation, and ethical AI.
- The summit concluded with traditional musical and dance performances showcasing India’s pluralistic heritage.
According to an official statement released on X by the Ministry of Culture, the temple visit allowed international representatives to experience the spiritual and cultural foundation of India. The ministry noted that the excursion offered direct engagement with the historical landmark and provided insights into one of the most revered religious sites in the nation.
The second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting opened in Varanasi on June 4, 2026, drawing active participation from member states.
Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal chaired the inaugural session of the diplomatic gathering. Officials from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates attended the Varanasi sessions in person. Meanwhile, delegates representing Ethiopia, Egypt, and the Russian Federation participated via virtual video links to present their national priorities.
The initial panel, titled ‘Creative Economy and People-to-People Cooperation: Innovation, Partnerships and the Way Forward’, was led by Moderator Vivek Aggarwal. This session analyzed how creative industries stimulate inclusive economic development, strengthen social cohesion, foster international exchange, expand market access, and drive digital transformation.
A subsequent panel discussion, titled ‘Copyright and Ethical AI in the Creative Economy: Advancing Best Practices’, was led by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of the IGNCA. The debate emphasized copyright protection frameworks, correct cultural attribution, and ethical guidelines for implementing artificial intelligence within creative sectors, establishing a baseline for future intra-BRICS cooperation.
The day’s events concluded with a curated cultural exhibition celebrating Indian artistic diversity. A specialized musical ensemble performed regional traditions to highlight national plurality. This was followed by the “Colours of India” presentation, which showcased classical and folk dance disciplines to familiarize international delegates with local artistic legacies.
The multilateral conference extended into the following day, with delegates continuing scheduled deliberations to finalize priority frameworks for cultural cooperation among the BRICS alliance.
Future Outlook
The discussions held during this cultural assembly are expected to shape future policy frameworks for intellectual property and digital governance across BRICS nations. As artificial intelligence continues to transform creative industries, the collaborative guidelines established in Varanasi will likely inform subsequent ministerial declarations, reinforcing traditional heritage protections while managing technological integration among member states.
FAQs
What was the purpose of the BRICS delegates’ visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
The visit was organized by the Ministry of Culture to allow international delegates to experience India’s spiritual and cultural ethos firsthand. It provided the diplomats with historical insights into one of India’s most revered religious and cultural landmarks during their stay in Varanasi.
Which countries participated in the 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting?
The meeting saw participation from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Iran, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates in person. Additionally, representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Russian Federation joined the official diplomatic sessions virtually.
What key topics were discussed during the panel sessions in Varanasi?
The panels focused on two main areas: the role of the creative economy in promoting inclusive development, digital innovation, and market access, as well as the implementation of copyright protection and ethical artificial intelligence frameworks within the creative sector.
