India seeks intergovernmental group Brics's cultural, civilisational leadership
India has urged the intergovernmental organisation Brics to lead in cultural and civilisational domains apart from in geopolitical terms, emphasising the importance of building an ecosystem based on shared values and diversity.
Speaking at the 10th Brics meeting of culture ministers in Brazil's Brasília on Monday, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reaffirmed India's commitment to cultural cooperation rooted in justice, innovation, and heritage. He said that India is focused on the creative economy, ethical artificial intelligence (AI), which respects cultural diversity, intellectual property, and provides fair remuneration for creators, stronger digital safeguards, and indigenous knowledge for climate resilience strategies.
Shekhawat said development and heritage must go together. He added India is ready for this journey with Brics partners under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Shekhawat said India will continue to advocate for inclusive and cooperative cultural diplomacy through the Brics.
Shekhawat called for stronger legal frameworks to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property, especially online. Shekhawat welcomed Brazil's restitution of cultural property, calling it a step toward cultural justice and civilisational dignity.
Shekhawat highlighted India's recent efforts in the area. 'India has reclaimed 642 heritage objects since 2014...[as] acts of justice that restore memory, dignity, and multilateral trust,' he said at the Brics meeting, which concluded with a joint declaration.
The declaration outlined strategic priorities, including the creative economy, AI, climate change, return and safeguarding of cultural property, cultural festivals, and alliances. It called for promoting inclusive, rights-based, and innovation-driven cultural growth across Brics nations.
The meeting was convened to deepen institutional cooperation and develop joint projects to preserve and promote the cultural diversity of the Brics countries.
Shekhawat met with his counterparts from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the meeting and discussed expanding partnerships in digital innovation, creative industries, and cultural exchanges.
Brics initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It was expanded in 2023, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Don't see myself in national politics for long': Chirag Paswan on contesting Bihar assembly polls
NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Monday said that he is prepared to return to state politics in Bihar, explaining that his original motivation for entering politics was to contribute to the development of Bihar. "I have said this previously, that I don't see myself in national politics for long. The only reason I came into politics was Bihar and Biharis. My vision has always been 'Bihar first, Bihari first', and I always want Bihar to prosper and be at par with other developed states," Paswan said while speaking to reporters. Paswan, who recently secured a third term as Lok Sabha MP from Hajipur, signalled that a shift in focus was necessary to fulfil his political goals. "I have realised after becoming an MP for the third time that this would not be possible in Delhi. I had expressed my wish before the party that I want to return to Bihar soon." Poll Are you supportive of Chirag Paswan's decision to prioritize Bihar's development over national politics? Yes, it's commendable No, he should focus on national issues The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief revealed that internal discussions are ongoing regarding his potential candidacy in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections . "My party is still evaluating whether my party will benefit if I contest the Vidhan Sabha elections now... by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en San Miguel De Tucumán (ver precio) Verisure Undo If my strike rate gets better and the performance of my alliance gets better, of which there are high chances, then I will definitely contest," he said. However, Paswan dismissed speculation about any chief ministerial ambitions. "There is no vacancy for the CM post in Bihar. Nitish Kumar will become the CM after the elections," he said. His party is party of the ruling alliance in Bihar, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (United). The comments follow an internal push from within his party. Lok Sabha MP Arun Bharti hinted that Paswan may be asked to take on a more direct leadership role in state politics. "Chirag Paswan ji has said from every platform that Bihar is the centre of my politics... We had given him a formal proposal in the state executive meeting that he should come to Bihar and think about playing a bigger role," Bharti said, adding that a party survey would help finalise the decision. While Paswan has not officially confirmed his candidacy, he stressed his willingness to abide by the party's final call. "I will obey my party's wishes. For now, we are yet to discuss it..." he said. Paswan's re-entry into state politics could be a potential gamechanger for the NDA in the Bihar Assembly elections, expected in October or November this year. The BJP-JD(U)-LJP alliance will be aiming to return to power against the Mahagatbandhan alliance of Congress and RJD. Earlier, Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor welcomed Paswan's possible return to Bihar politics, saying, "...He (Chirag Paswan) is a part of the NDA and every person is free to contest elections. If Chirag Paswan contests the elections, it is a good thing for Bihar... If Chirag Paswan becomes active in Bihar Assembly politics, it is a good thing."
United News of India
14 minutes ago
- United News of India
Modi, Shah greet people of Telangana on their Statehood Day
New Delhi, June 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday greeted the people of Telangana on their Statehood Day. In a post on X, Modi said, 'Greetings to the wonderful people of Telangana on their Statehood Day. The state is known for making innumerable contributions to national progress. Over the last decade, the NDA Government has undertaken many measures to boost 'Ease of Living' for the people of the state. May the people of the state be blessed with success and prosperity." "Meanwhile, Home Minister, while greeting the people, prayed that the state would reach new heights of prosperity." 'On Telangana statehood day, warm greetings to our brothers and sisters of the state. With its rich culture, heritage, and hardworking people, Telangana shines brightly on India's ethno-cultural map. May the state reach new heights of prosperity,' Shah said on X. UNI RBE ARN
NDTV
24 minutes ago
- NDTV
Video: Man Tries To Cross Hanging Bridge Amid Floods. Kiren Rijiju Reacts
A video of a man risking his life to cross a heavily flooded river via a damaged suspension bridge has emerged from the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. In the 45-second clip, shared by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on X, the unidentified person is seen clinging to the upper ropes of what looks like a broken bridge. The water flows underneath him with massive intensity. The man tries to cross the river without any protective gear. "Arunachal Pradesh receives heaviest Monsoon rains in the world. Got this video of a man crossing a traditional hanging bridge in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh near the tri-junction of India, China and Myanmar border. Please remain careful and safe. Government will provide the necessary support," Rijiju wrote alongside the video. ArunachalPradesh receives heaviest Monsoon rains in the world. Got this video of a man crossing traditional hanging bridge in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh near tri-junction of India, China & Myanmar border. Please remain careful & safe. Govt will provide necessary support. — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 1, 2025 Mr Rijiju, the MP from West Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha seat, in a separate post, shared that the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission were being launched by the Indian Air Force in coordination with the central armed forces, NDRF and state government forces across the North East. A critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission is being launched by the Indian Air Force, Central Armed Forces, NDRF and State Govt Forces in North East India. — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 2, 2025 Arunachal Pradesh has received massive rainfall with the onset of monsoon. At least nine people have died since May 30 in rain-related incidents and landslides in multiple districts of the state. In East Kameng, seven people, including two women and two children, were killed when a vehicle carrying members of two families was swept off the road by a huge landslide. The incident was reported between the Bana-Seppa stretch of National Highway-13, according to IANS. In the second incident, two labourers were killed and two others were rescued after a landslide in a cabbage farm near the Pine Grove area in Lower Subansiri district. The Arunachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each for the family of those who lost their lives in landslide-related incidents across the state. Expressing his condolences to the families, Mr Khandu assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to the affected people in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim and the Governor of Manipur in the wake of heavy rains in the regions. He has assured them of "every possible help to tackle any situation".
