At the recent BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Brazil, India emphasized the importance of ethical AI frameworks and stronger legal structures to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, representing India, advocated for a cultural ecosystem that respects diversity, deepens humanity, and anchors progress in shared values. This call comes at a crucial time as the world grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, particularly its impact on cultural heritage and creative industries.

The BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – recognize the significance of culture and creative industries as drivers of sustainable growth. The meeting culminated in a Joint Declaration outlining four strategic cultural priorities: Culture, Creative Economy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI); Culture, Climate Change, and the Post-2030 Development Agenda; Return and Safeguarding of Cultural Property; and BRICS Cultural Festivals and Alliances. This declaration reflects a collective vision for inclusive, rights-based, and innovation-driven cultural development.

India's focus on ethical AI is particularly noteworthy. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society, including the cultural sector, it is essential to ensure that AI systems respect cultural diversity, intellectual property rights, and provide fair remuneration for creators. This includes addressing potential biases in algorithms that could perpetuate cultural and racial stereotypes. India has already begun taking steps to promote ethical AI, including launching a comprehensive framework to enhance AI competencies across its public sector, building on UNESCO's Framework on AI and Digital Competencies for Civil Servants. This framework emphasizes ethical safeguards and human rights protections in the digital transformation journey.

Furthermore, the rise of digital platforms and online marketplaces has created new avenues for the illicit trafficking of cultural property. Minister Shekhawat specifically raised concerns over the online trade of cultural artifacts and called for stronger legal frameworks to combat this issue. This includes enhanced multilateral collaboration and digital safeguards to protect cultural heritage from theft, illegal excavation, and trade. India has also welcomed Brazil's initiative on the restitution of cultural property, describing it as a step toward cultural justice and civilizational dignity. Several Global South countries are actively working to recover their cultural property, often through bilateral relations. A multilateral approach, as suggested during the BRICS meeting, could provide a more effective framework for navigating these delicate situations.

The BRICS forum also highlighted the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation and resilience efforts. Recognizing and valuing traditional practices and knowledge systems can contribute to more sustainable and effective solutions for addressing climate change. This aligns with the broader goal of promoting inclusive cultural growth and recognizing the cultural and ethnic diversity of developing countries.

India's emphasis on ethical AI and stronger frameworks to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property at the BRICS forum underscores its commitment to cultural diplomacy, heritage conservation, and people-to-people exchanges. By advocating for enhanced multilateral collaboration and inclusive cultural growth, India is positioning itself as a leader in shaping a future where culture is at the heart of sustainable development. The call to BRICS nations to lead not just geopolitically, but also civilizationally, highlights the importance of forging a cultural ecosystem that celebrates diversity, deepens humanity, and anchors progress in shared values.