BRICS Delegation Visits Thotlakonda Ahead of Ministerial Meetings

A BRICS delegation of ministers and senior officials from all 11 member countries visited the ancient Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, August 22, ahead of key ministerial meetings hosted by the city. The visit, which included a sapling plantation drive, served as a cultural prelude to the BRICS Youth Ministers Meeting and BRICS Sports Ministers Meeting taking place on August 22 and 23 under India's BRICS Chairship for 2026.

The high-level engagements bring together ministers and heads of delegation from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, is chairing both meetings, with Minister of State Raksha Khadse also participating. Senior ministry officials, including the Secretaries of Youth Affairs and Sports, are closely involved.

The BRICS Youth Ministers Meeting, scheduled for August 22, is focused on strengthening cooperation in youth development and empowerment. Discussions among the delegates will cover education, skill development, entrepreneurship, well-being, and sustainable development. The...