Moscow, July 7 -- The Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, organised the BRICS Academic Thematic Conference on "Strengthening BRICS Connectivity: Fostering Cooperation" under India's BRICS Presidency 2026.

The conference brought together around 120 participants from 10 BRICS member and partner countries, including policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and experts, to exchange perspectives on strengthening BRICS cooperation and connectivity.

The conference opened with remarks by Pavel Knyazev, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sous-Sherpa of the Russian Federation for BRICS; Nikhilesh Giri, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Russia, Ministry of ...