Vizag hosts key BRICS ministerial meetings

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The port city of Visakhapatnam has emerged as an important venue for the 2026 BRICS summit being hosted under India’s chairmanship, with the city hosting the BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers’ Meetings over two days. Ministers and senior officials from the 11 BRICS member countries, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE, are participating in the high-level deliberations. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is chairing both meetings.

Ahead of the ministerial sessions, BRICS delegates visited Thotlakonda, the prominent Buddhist heritage site overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The visit offered participating countries a glimpse into Andhra Pradesh’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The delegates also participated in a tree-plantation program at the site. India is hosting BRICS this year under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The Youth Ministers’ Meeting focused on youth empowerment and development, with discussions covering education, skill development, entrepreneurship, wellbeing and sustainable development.

A BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration and BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework are expected to be adopted. The Sports Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for the following day, will focus on strengthening cooperation in sports, with particular attention to traditional and indigenous sports, sports technology, equipment manufacturing and innovation. A joint BRICS Sports Declaration is also expected to be adopted.

The Visakhapatnam program is also designed to showcase Andhra Pradesh as an emerging destination for international cooperation, culture and investment. BRICS representatives are scheduled to meet Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, besides holding bilateral discussions. A BRICS friendship cycling event along the Beach Road and cultural programs showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s traditions are also planned as part of the two-day program.

BRICS delegates visit Thotlakonda monastery 

Union Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday accompanied 11 BRICS nations youth affairs and sports ministers and representatives for a visit to 2,000-year-old Thotlakonda Buddhist monastery near here.

The Youth Affairs Minister and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) representatives visited the Thotlakonda Buddhist Stupa, meditation centre and other attractions, an official release said. "Heritage, Culture & Global Friendships - all in one place. A memorable cultural visit to Thotlakonda Buddhist Monastery in Vizag with BRICS delegates," said Mandaviya in a post on 'X'. During the visit, a guide explained the importance of the Buddhist relics. Further, Mandaviya and the delegates planted saplings at the monastery.