VISAKHAPATNAM — The coastal city of Visakhapatnam became the focal point for international multilateral diplomacy on Saturday as it hosted the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting and the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026. The two-day high-level ministerial summit brings together government ministers, policy architects, and diplomatic delegations from all 11 BRICS member states: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

The international summit launched with a cultural and environmental visit to the ancient Buddhist archaeological complex at Thotlakonda, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Visiting foreign dignitaries toured the third-century BCE monastic ruins, gaining direct insight into Andhra Pradesh’s historical maritime and spiritual heritage, followed by a joint ceremonial sapling plantation drive organized by state host authorities.

Focus on Youth Empowerment and Digital Inclusion

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya is presiding over both ministerial tracks, supported by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Secretary (Youth Affairs) Sunil Paliwal, and Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao.

Guided by India’s overarching 2026 BRICS Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," Saturday’s Youth Ministers' sessions prioritized cross-border educational exchanges, technical skill development, digital entrepreneurship, and mental health frameworks for young populations across the Global South.

The assembly reviewed policy recommendations generated during preliminary working group sessions, including the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and the BRICS Youth Summit held earlier this year in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The discussions are set to culminate in the formal adoption of the BRICS Youth Ministerial Joint Declaration alongside a multilateral BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework.

Indigenous Sports and Technological Integration

The summit will pivot to athletic policy and sports diplomacy during the BRICS Sports Ministers’ Meeting. Agenda items include expanding bilateral athletic exchanges, preserving indigenous and traditional sports, advancing sports manufacturing infrastructure, and integrating artificial intelligence into athletic performance analytics.

Delegates from each of the 11 member nations will deliver official country statements outlining national sports development goals before formally signing the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.

Beyond formal plenary sessions, the multilateral event includes bilateral side meetings, a community BRICS Friendship Cycling Event along Visakhapatnam's iconic Beach Road corridor, cultural showcases featuring traditional Andhra performing arts, and a high-level state dinner hosted by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to explore regional investment and tourism opportunities.