BRICS Youth Ministers Adopt Joint Statement in Visakhapatnam
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting concluded in Visakhapatnam on Saturday with the adoption of a joint statement outlining cooperation among member countries in areas such as youth development, education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and social participation. The meeting, organised by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was chaired by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, with Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse also leading the Indian delegation. Youth affairs secretary Sunil Paliwal attended the meeting.
The joint statement covers critical areas including education, training and skills; youth entrepreneurship; science, technology and innovation; social and cultural participation; volunteering; combating poverty and inequalities; health and sports; environment and sustainability; interfaith dialogue; youth exchange; and youth inclusion.
The meeting, held under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, built on the outcomes of the BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Council meeting organised earlier in Gandhinagar on August 19-20.
Naidu Pitches Visakhapatnam as Sports Hub
At a cultural event for the visiting ministers and delegates, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the representatives to Visakhapatnam, describing it as the "City of Destiny." He said Andhra Pradesh was ready to forge sports partnerships with BRICS countries and aimed to host world-class sporting events in the state.
Naidu proposed setting up a BRICS Youth and Sports Innovation Network in Visakhapatnam to facilitate the exchange of athletes and coaches among BRICS countries. He also invited investments in water sports, international sporting events and sports tourism. He said Visakhapatnam would be developed as an international water sports destination, citing Andhra Pradesh's skilled youth, technology ecosystem and long coastline as key strengths.
Naidu outlined plans for a comprehensive sports ecosystem in the state, including state academies and Centres of Excellence. Amaravati Sports City would have a full-fledged sports ecosystem, while sports equipment, apparel and technology manufacturing companies were coming up in Nellore.
Mandaviya Highlights Vision for 2047
Addressing the delegates, Mandaviya highlighted India's vision for 2047 and the need to develop young leaders for the purpose. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for developing one lakh young leaders without political backgrounds to realise this vision. The MY Bharat platform, he noted, provides opportunities for volunteering, learning, leadership and civic engagement, with more than 25 million youth registered and actively participating.
"Young people must be recognised not merely as beneficiaries, but as active partners in shaping our shared future. Let us move from youth participation to youth partnership," Mandaviya said.
Mandaviya also held bilateral meetings with his South African counterpart Sindisiwe Chikunga and Emirati Sultan Al Neyadi.
Delegates participated in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation drive and visited the Thotlakonda Buddhist heritage site.
Cultural Showcase at Gala Dinner
A series of cultural performances drawing on the traditions of different regions of the country was presented at a gala dinner held as part of the BRICS Youth & Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026, organised under the theme "One Culture, Many Faiths, One Humanity."
The evening opened with a Kuchipudi performance, "Tarangam," extending a formal welcome to the delegates, followed by "Kuchipudi Andhra Vaibhavam," showcasing the cultural traditions of Andhra Pradesh. Performers then presented dance items reflecting the traditions of Gujarat, Kerala, Manipur, Assam and West Bengal, with elements associated with Durga Puja. The programme concluded with a group performance symbolising the country's unity in diversity.
Naidu attended the dinner along with Mandaviya and Khadse. State Ministers Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Vangalapudi Anitha, Kondapalli Srinivas and Ramprasad Reddy were also present.
BRICS Sports Ministers Adopt Joint Declaration
Separately, the BRICS Sports Ministers adopted the Sports Joint Declaration in a meeting held in Visakhapatnam, reaffirming the commitment of member states to "strengthen cooperation in sport through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness." The meeting was held under India's BRICS Chairship 2026 and was attended by ministers and senior sports representatives from BRICS member states.
In his opening statement, Mandaviya called for building a BRICS Sporting Partnership. "We should build a BRICS Sporting Partnership that moves beyond declarations and creates real platforms for sports collaborations, whether it is athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions or sports science knowledge sharing," he said, adding that India is transforming its sporting ecosystem.
"We invite global manufacturers, technology companies and investors to Make in India, Play in India and Grow with India," Mandaviya added.
Three key initiatives were advanced to deepen cooperation in sports: a BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology, a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave, and BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026. Udaipur will host the BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave, focusing on innovation and trade, while Ahmedabad will host the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games.