By KAYODE ADEBIYI

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, Russia.

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

Deputy Chief of the Indian Diplomatic Mission in Russia, Nikhilesh Giri, 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.

Speaking on behalf of India as the BRICS Chair in 2026, Giri said such partnership is essential for a balanced and inclusive cooperation.

The diplomat also stressed that BRICS should commit itself to reforming multilateral institutions in line with contemporary realities.

Giri said it was necessary 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.

Editor-in-Chief and CEO of TV BRICS, Janna Tolstikova, noted that over the years BRICS has expanded to 10 member states.

Tolstikova also said the bloc is commited to preserving the principles of mutual understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, consensus, sovereign equality and openness.

BRICS Anniversary Week, aimed at assessing the group’s 20-year journey and its future prospects, took place in Moscow from June 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. (NAN)

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