Representatives of 15 countries gather in Moscow for diplomatic reception marking BRICS 20th anniversary

A ceremonial diplomatic reception marking the 20th anniversary of the BRICS group was held in the Oval Hall of the M. I. Rudomino All-Russia State Library for Foreign Literature in Moscow. The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps of BRICS member states and partner countries. The evening became one of the key events of BRICS Anniversary Week, organised by the TV BRICS International Media Network and the Library for Foreign Literature.

The reception was attended by representatives of the embassies of India, Iran, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Uganda, Bolivia, Algeria, Cuba, Nigeria, Colombia, as well as representatives of the Russian public and the expert community.

Photo: TV BRICS

Deputy Chief of the Indian Diplomatic Mission in Russia, Nikhilesh Giri, speaking on behalf of India as the BRICS Chair in 2026, noted that the theme of India’s presidency – “Strengthening Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” – reflects the conviction that partnership among BRICS members can help address common challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner.

"India intends to work with BRICS partners to build resilience in agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, energy and supply chains through cooperative frameworks that enhance collective preparedness and response. [...] India’s chairship will emphasise promoting innovation through start-ups, MSMEs, and new and emerging technologies that can contribute meaningfully to building a more equitable world. [...] India attaches equal importance to cooperation and sustainability and will work to advance climate action, promote clean energy, and support inclusive sustainable development pathways in a manner that is fair and sensitive to national circumstances"

Nikhilesh Giri Deputy Chief of the Indian Diplomatic Mission in Russia

The diplomat also stressed that BRICS should commit itself to reforming multilateral institutions in line with contemporary realities so that organisations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank become more representative and inclusive.

Director General of the Library for Foreign Literature, Marina Zakharenko, welcomed the guests and emphasised that since its foundation in 1921 the library has served as a bridge between cultures and civilisations.

"Libraries around the world preserve the entire heritage of their countries, make it accessible to the public and serve [...] as places where different cultures meet and where knowledge is shared. I encourage you to make use of this powerful resource in your own countries and to introduce the Library for Foreign Literature to your national libraries. By using this resource for preserving the heritage of our nations, we will bring our countries closer together and support even stronger economic development"

Marina Zakharenko Director General of the M. I. Rudomino Library for Foreign Literature

Photo: TV BRICS

Editor-in-Chief and CEO of TV BRICS, Janna Tolstikova, noted that over the years BRICS has expanded to ten member states while preserving its commitment to the principles of mutual understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, consensus, sovereign equality and openness.

"The TV BRICS International Media Network is itself approaching its first major anniversary, which we will celebrate next year. For almost ten years, we have consistently developed and promoted the shared agenda of the BRICS countries. Like a puzzle, it is assembled from the contributions of national media in different countries. [...] Following the principle of openness that defines BRICS, the media network is ready to cooperate with all states, and today TV BRICS already works successfully with 34 countries. Thanks to our media partners, we are able to create an objective information environment – an open space for media diplomacy"

Janna Tolstikova Editor-in-Chief and CEO of TV BRICS

The cultural programme of the evening featured a performance by a musical ensemble from the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre.

Photo: TV BRICS

BRICS Anniversary Week, aimed at assessing the group’s 20-year journey and its future prospects, is taking place in Moscow from 15 to 20 June. Earlier, experts shared their views during the panel sessions “BRICS – 20 Years: Results, Achievements and Prospects for Cooperation” and “Media and BRICS: Shaping a Shared Information Space” at the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre.