Moscow Hosts Diplomatic Summit Marking 20 Years of BRICS Expansion
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a diplomatic ceremony commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the BRICS group’s founding took place at the Oval Hall of the Rudomino State Library for Foreign Literature in Moscow. This event, considered one of the key occasions during “BRICS Anniversary Week,” saw the participation of representatives from member states and BRICS partners.
Attendees included representatives from the embassies of India, Iran, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Uganda, Bolivia, Algeria, Cuba, Nigeria, and Colombia. A number of Russian academic figures, experts, and civil society activists were also present.
Nikhilish Giri, Deputy Head of the Indian Diplomatic Mission in Russia, speaking on behalf of the 2026 BRICS rotating presidency, announced India’s presidency theme: “Strengthening Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.” He emphasized the belief that cooperation among BRICS members can contribute to the balanced and inclusive resolution of shared challenges.
Giri further stated that during its presidency, India will strive to expand cooperation aimed at enhancing resilience in the fields of agriculture, health, crisis management, energy, and supply chains. Support for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and emerging technologies will also be a priority for the country.
The Indian diplomat also underscored the necessity of reforming international multilateral institutions to align with contemporary global realities. He called for increased representation and participation of developing countries in organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.
Marina Zakharchenko, Director-General of the Russian State Library for Foreign Literature, welcomed the guests, noting that the library, since its establishment in 1921, has served as a bridge between diverse cultures and civilizations. She remarked that libraries are custodians of national cultural heritage and can facilitate knowledge exchange and foster closer ties between countries. Zakharchenko added that developing cooperation among national libraries of various countries would contribute to strengthening cultural relations and even boosting economic partnerships.
Zhanna Toliustikova, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of TV BRICS, addressed the expansion of BRICS to 10 members, emphasizing that the group remains committed to the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, consensus, sovereign equality, and openness. She mentioned that the TV BRICS media network is approaching its tenth year of operation and has consistently worked to promote the common agenda of member states. Toliustikova highlighted that TV BRICS currently collaborates with 34 countries on media initiatives, successfully creating an open and objective space for media diplomacy with the help of its partners.
The cultural program of the ceremony featured a performance by a music ensemble affiliated with the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre. BRICS Anniversary Week is scheduled to run from June 15 to June 20 in Moscow, focusing on the group’s achievements and future prospects. Prior to this, specialized sessions titled “BRICS: 20 Years of Achievements, Outcomes, and Cooperation Prospects” and “Media and BRICS: Shaping a Common Information Space” were held at the BRICS+ Cultural Media Center.
