BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas attended a cultural evening at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy (NCM & HKA) in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, the event showcased India’s traditional crafts, folk art, music, and cuisine.
Delegates from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Indonesia participated, along with ambassadors from BRICS member and partner countries and nearly 30 foreign officials.
Participants were guided through the museum galleries and artisan stalls featuring Black Pottery, Chamba Rumal, Kalamkari, Lac Bangles, and Papier Mache.
The delegates appreciated India’s efforts in preserving its traditional arts and crafts and promoting artisans internationally.
The event was held after the first BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas meeting under India’s Chairmanship on February 9–10.
The meeting was chaired by Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa, and supported by Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) Shambhu L. Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa. BRICS Sherpas and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE participated in the deliberations.
On Tuesday, the BRICS Sherpas and country representatives jointly called on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India presented the priorities for its Chairship under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” during the meeting. Several Ministries and Departments of the Government of India outlined proposed initiatives across a wide range of thematic areas, including health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, information and communication technology (ICT), security and counter-terrorism, as well as economic and financial cooperation.
The meeting also witnessed a substantive exchange of views on the institutional development of the BRICS grouping.
In line with India’s vision of a “people-centric” Chairship, presentations were made on cooperation in sports, youth engagement and cultural exchanges. Discussions also covered the BRICS Academic Forum, BRICS Think Tank Council, BRICS Civil Forum, as well as the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance.
Representatives of BRICS partner countries attended the opening session of the meeting. Member and partner countries appreciated the theme and priorities identified by India, noting that they build upon initiatives undertaken during previous Chairships. Delegates also shared their perspectives on advancing resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability within a people-centric framework.
On the sidelines of the meeting, delegates visited the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy and the Akshardham Temple.
The MEA said that BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas will continue to meet regularly during the course of the year to coordinate work across various thematic tracks.
