Visakhapatnam hosts BRICS Youth and Sports Ministers; delegation visits Thotlakonda Buddhist site

Vishakhapatnam, Aug 22 (IANS) Visakhapatnam is hosting the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting and the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting on August 22 and 23 under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026. The high-level engagements bring together ministers and heads of delegation from all 11 BRICS member countries — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Ahead of the formal sessions, the BRICS delegation visited the ancient Buddhist heritage site at Thotlakonda on Saturday morning.

The scenic site, overlooking the Bay of Bengal, offered the visiting dignitaries a glimpse into Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

A sapling plantation drive was also organised at the location as part of the programme.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya is chairing both meetings.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, is participating in the proceedings.

Senior ministry officials, including Secretary (Youth Affairs), Sunil Paliwal and Secretary (Sports), Hari Ranjan Rao, are closely associated with the engagements.

India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 is guided by the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,’ reflecting a people-centric and humanity-first approach.

The Youth Ministers’ Meeting today focusses on strengthening cooperation in youth development and empowerment.

Discussions cover education, skill development, entrepreneurship, well-being and sustainable development.

The meeting will consider recommendations from the earlier BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held in Gandhinagar and is expected to adopt the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration along with the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework.

The BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting on August 23 will reaffirm commitment to cooperation in sports.

Key focus areas include traditional and indigenous sports, sports technology, sports manufacturing and innovation. The session will feature country statements from all 11 member nations and conclude with the adoption of the BRICS Sports joint declaration.

The two-day programme also includes bilateral meetings, a BRICS Friendship Cycling Event on Beach Road, cultural programmes showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s traditions, and interactions with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

–IANS

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