India Urges BRICS to Protect Heritage and Embrace Ethical AI

India has called on BRICS countries to lead in global politics and in shaping a shared cultural future. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat made this appeal during the 10th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasilia, Brazil. Speaking at the event, Shekhawat urged BRICS to create a global cultural environment that promotes shared values, protects heritage, and encourages ethical use of new technologies like artificial intelligence. He also stressed the importance of stronger laws to stop the illegal trading of cultural items.

The meeting at the historic Itamaraty Palace brought together cultural leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It ended with a Joint Declaration that focuses on four key areas: the connection between culture and AI, the role of culture in tackling climate change, the return and protection of cultural property, and the promotion of cultural festivals and partnerships among BRICS countries.

In a post on social media platform X, Minister Shekhawat said India remains committed to making culture a part of sustainable development. He highlighted India's efforts to build the creative economy, use ethical AI, and protect indigenous knowledge. He also proudly shared that India has recovered 642 stolen heritage objects since 2014, calling them "acts of justice" that restore dignity and trust.

The Minister also warned about the growing threat of illegal online sales of cultural items and supported Brazil’s focus on returning stolen heritage. He said digital protections and international cooperation are needed to stop cultural crimes online. Shekhawat emphasized that traditional wisdom must be part of how the world responds to climate change. He explained that culture and climate action go hand in hand, especially when it comes to using indigenous knowledge.

India also pushed for deeper cooperation in areas like museum exchanges, arts, crafts, and literature. The overall theme of the meeting was about using culture to strengthen cooperation in the Global South and support fair, inclusive governance. On the sidelines of the meeting, Shekhawat met with officials from Brazil, South Africa, and the UAE to discuss partnerships in the creative economy and cultural innovation.

The BRICS cultural meeting reflects India’s larger aim to use diplomacy and culture together to build a better world. As technology grows rapidly, India’s call for ethical innovation and heritage protection struck a strong chord with all participants.