India will host the Second Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group and the Expert Network on Asset Recovery in Hyderabad on August 4-5, focusing on international cooperation against corruption.
New Delhi, India Aug 4, 2026 ALN: India is set to host the Second Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) and the Second Meeting of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery in Hyderabad on August 4 and 5, as part of its BRICS Presidency for 2026. This meeting is a significant event in the ongoing efforts of BRICS nations to tackle corruption, which has been a persistent issue affecting governance and economic stability worldwide.
The BRICS grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was formed to promote mutual cooperation and development among its member countries. One of the critical areas of focus for BRICS has been the fight against corruption, which undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development, and contributes to governmental instability. The ACWG was established to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among member nations to combat corruption more effectively.
Organised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the two-day meeting will revolve around the theme of India’s BRICS Presidency, which is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This theme underscores the importance of creating resilient institutions capable of withstanding challenges, fostering innovation in governance, and ensuring sustainable development across BRICS nations.
The meeting will be inaugurated by Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training. It is anticipated to gather delegates from BRICS member countries, including senior policymakers, anti-corruption experts, law enforcement officials, and practitioners. These participants will play a crucial role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the meeting.
This Hyderabad meeting follows the inaugural BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting, which was conducted virtually on June 2–3, 2026. The virtual format of the first meeting was necessitated by the global pandemic, which has impacted international travel and in-person gatherings. The first meeting laid the groundwork for subsequent discussions and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the fight against corruption.
Delegates at the upcoming meeting will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening international cooperation for asset recovery, combating cross-border corruption, and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance. These discussions are particularly timely, as the global landscape continues to evolve, with increasing concerns about the impact of corruption on international trade, investment, and development.
Key topics of discussion will include enhancing informal cooperation to trace fugitive offenders wanted in corruption cases and facilitating extradition proceedings. The ability to effectively trace and extradite individuals involved in corrupt practices is essential for holding accountable those who exploit their positions for personal gain. The participating countries will also explore strategies to bolster information sharing and operational collaboration through the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery. This network is designed to enhance the capacity of member states to recover assets that have been misappropriated through corrupt practices.
Additionally, members will exchange experiences and best practices for addressing corruption-related risks associated with financial technology (FinTech), digital assets, and emerging digital financial instruments. The rapid growth of digital finance presents both opportunities and challenges in the fight against corruption. While technology can enhance transparency and accountability, it can also create new avenues for illicit activities if not adequately regulated.
A significant highlight of the programme will be a side event titled “Ethical Governance through Innovation and Tech-Driven Systems,” scheduled for August 5. This session will provide a platform for BRICS nations to share experiences on technology-enabled governance, including digital public procurement, citizen engagement, transparency, accountability, and innovative measures to enhance integrity in public administration. The integration of technology in governance has the potential to revolutionize how public services are delivered, making them more efficient and less susceptible to corrupt practices.
According to the Department of Personnel and Training, the Hyderabad meeting will reaffirm India’s commitment to fostering practical cooperation among BRICS members through dialogue, experience exchange, and collaborative initiatives. This commitment is reflected in India’s broader strategy to strengthen its role within BRICS and enhance its influence on global governance issues.
As the final Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting under India’s BRICS Presidency, it is expected to consolidate the progress made during the year and lay the groundwork for sustained cooperation in asset recovery, prevention of cross-border corruption, technology-driven governance, and institutional capacity building. The outcomes of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for the future of BRICS cooperation in anti-corruption efforts and may set the tone for subsequent initiatives in the years to come.
The importance of this meeting cannot be overstated, as corruption remains a significant barrier to development in many countries. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, BRICS nations aim to create a more transparent and accountable global environment. The discussions in Hyderabad will not only focus on immediate challenges but also on long-term strategies to build resilient institutions capable of withstanding the pressures of corruption.
In conclusion, the Second Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group and the Second Meeting of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery represents a critical opportunity for member countries to come together and address one of the most pressing issues of our time. With a focus on innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, the outcomes of this meeting could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance and accountability within the BRICS framework and beyond.
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