Kazakhstan took part in discussions on cultural cooperation among BRICS member and partner countries, with Sanzhar Ualikhanov, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in India, representing the country at the meeting held under India’s BRICS chairship. Kazakhstan’s participation reflects its engagement with BRICS as a partner country and its broader interest in strengthening cooperation across areas that extend beyond economics and trade. The country has identified cultural exchange, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development and people-to-people ties as important areas for practical international cooperation. Kazakhstan and India have also reaffirmed their interest in expanding collaboration within the BRICS framework.

brics-cultural-cooperation-india-2.jpg

brics-cultural-cooperation-india-3.jpg

brics-cultural-cooperation-india-4.jpg

Culture as a Bridge Between Nations The meeting underlined the role of culture as an important instrument for strengthening mutual understanding among peoples. Participants discussed how cultural cooperation can help build closer relationships between countries by encouraging dialogue, artistic exchange and greater appreciation of different historical traditions. For Kazakhstan, cultural diplomacy forms an important part of its international engagement. The country’s participation in multilateral cultural platforms provides opportunities to showcase its heritage while developing new partnerships with countries across Asia and beyond. The discussions also reflected the wider BRICS approach to cultural cooperation, which encompasses heritage, creative industries, museums, archives, literature, performing arts and people-to-people exchanges. India’s BRICS cultural agenda has placed particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation across these areas.

Digitalisation of Cultural Heritage

One of the significant areas highlighted during the discussions was the digitalisation of cultural heritage. Digital technologies are increasingly being used to document, preserve and provide wider access to historical and cultural resources. For countries with extensive and diverse cultural traditions, digitalisation can help protect valuable heritage while making it accessible to younger generations and international audiences. The use of digital platforms can also encourage collaboration between museums, cultural institutions, researchers and creative professionals. The focus aligns with the broader BRICS cultural agenda, which includes the development of digital cultural ecosystems alongside heritage protection and the creative economy. India’s cultural cooperation programme under its BRICS chairship has similarly identified digital innovation and responsible use of technology as important elements of future cooperation.

Expanding International Cultural Exchanges

The meeting also placed emphasis on expanding international cultural exchanges. Such initiatives can include exhibitions, festivals, artistic programmes, educational cooperation and collaboration between cultural institutions. For Kazakhstan and India, stronger cultural engagement can build on established historical and contemporary connections between the two countries. Increased exchanges can create opportunities for artists, researchers, museums and cultural organisations to develop joint projects and deepen public understanding of each country’s traditions. This approach is consistent with the wider BRICS objective of using cultural cooperation to strengthen international dialogue and people-to-people relations. India’s BRICS cultural programme has highlighted creative industries, cultural heritage and people-to-people cooperation as key areas for multilateral engagement.

Strengthening Kazakhstan’s Multilateral Engagement

brics-cultural-cooperation-india-5.jpg

Kazakhstan’s participation demonstrates its interest in contributing to BRICS initiatives as a partner country. Its engagement also complements the country’s broader efforts to expand cooperation with India in trade, investment, technology, transport connectivity, artificial intelligence, energy and sustainable development. The Kazakh side expressed appreciation to India for organising the cultural engagement and conveyed its best wishes to China for the next stage of BRICS chairship. Through continued participation in cultural and people-to-people initiatives, Kazakhstan can further strengthen its international cultural presence while contributing to a broader BRICS dialogue centred on heritage preservation, digital innovation and closer connections among societies.