Culture ministers from BRICS member countries will meet in Bhopal on Saturday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in cultural heritage, museums, creative economy, cultural exchanges and capacity building. The meeting will also focus on promoting stronger people-to-people connections among BRICS nations.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav will host a lunch for the visiting culture ministers and delegations after the meeting.

The BRICS Culture Ministers’ Conference 2026 began on August 5, with the Saturday meeting emerging as one of the key events of the programme. The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Declaration, which will outline a shared approach and future roadmap for enhanced cultural cooperation within the grouping.

Ministers Arrive in Bhopal

Culture ministers and senior representatives from BRICS countries reached Bhopal on Friday. They were given a traditional welcome at the Bhopal airport as part of the arrangements for the international conference.

The discussions during the ministerial meeting are expected to cover several areas of cultural cooperation, including preservation of heritage, development and promotion of museums, creative industries, cultural exchanges and capacity building.

The participating countries will also discuss ways to strengthen people-to-people ties through greater cultural engagement.

Visit to Sanchi Heritage Site

Following the ministerial meeting and lunch hosted by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the foreign ministers and delegations will travel to Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Buddhist monuments and historic architecture.

The delegates will visit Buddha Jambudweep before taking part in a specially arranged guided tour of the world-famous Sanchi Stupa.

The programme will also include a visit to the Chetayagiri Temple, along with yoga and meditation sessions for the visiting delegations.

3D Projection and Light Show

A special evening programme has also been planned at Sanchi. Delegates will be shown a 3D projection mapping and light-and-sound show based on Buddhist history and art.

The programme is aimed at giving international delegates an opportunity to experience India's Buddhist heritage through a combination of historical interpretation and modern visual technology.

Regional Cuisine on Menu

The visiting culture ministers are also being introduced to the culinary traditions of Madhya Pradesh through specially curated lunch and dinner menus.

The menu includes regional dishes such as dal bafla, nimona, rikmach, guiya ki sabzi, Chambal ka thopa, chandiya and bada. Millet-based dishes featuring kodo and kutki are also part of the menu.

Keeping in mind the food preferences of international guests, Western and Oriental dishes are also being served during the conference.

Bhimbetka Visit Planned

An optional visit to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, has been arranged for foreign delegates before their departure.

The prehistoric rock shelters are recognised for their ancient rock art and archaeological significance. The visit will give delegates an opportunity to explore one of India's important prehistoric cultural landscapes.

The BRICS cultural conference is aimed at creating greater opportunities for cultural cooperation among member countries. The ministerial declaration adopted at the Bhopal meeting is expected to provide a framework for future collaboration in heritage conservation, museums, creative industries and cultural exchanges.