Delhi and Grozny to Move Forward with Sister City Agreement: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Welcomes BRICS Culture Media Forum Delegation
New Delhi, July 23, 2025 — In a momentous diplomatic meeting in the Indian capital, Delhi Chief Minister Shrimati Rekha Gupta welcomed an official delegation from the BRICS Culture Media Forum (BCMF) and the City of Grozny, Chechen Republic, Russian Federation, to initiate discussions on a proposed Sister City Agreement between New Delhi and Grozny.
The meeting, held at the Delhi Secretariat, signifies a major step in strengthening Indo-Russian cultural ties, with both cities exploring new frameworks for cooperation in heritage, education, youth engagement, tourism, and sustainable urban development.
- BCMF Highlights India’s Strategic Role in BRICS Cultural Cooperation
- The conversation began with a powerful address by Dr. Sergei Dvorianov, Director of Communications at the BRICS Culture Media Forum. He noted the cultural, spiritual, and linguistic diversity that unites India and Russia, stating:
“India and Russia share an unbreakable foundation rooted in cultural heritage and mutual respect. With India set to take over the BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, the BCMF extends a heartfelt invitation to Shrimati Rekha Gupta to visit Grozny—Russia’s Cultural Capital of 2025—to further deepen our cooperation.”
The BCMF delegation was led by:
Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President, BRICS Culture Media Forum
Dr. Sergei Dvorianov, Director of Communications, BCMF
They were accompanied by an esteemed delegation from the City of Grozny:
Mr. Imam Taimaskhanov, Deputy Mayor of Grozny
Mr. Ismail Taramov, Assistant to the Mayor
Mr. Abdulreshid Zelimkhanov, Adviser to the Mayor of Grozny
Rekha Gupta Welcomes Delegation and Commits to Advancing Sister City Agreement
Chief Minister Shrimati Rekha Gupta warmly welcomed the delegation and praised the growing cultural bond between India and Russia. She acknowledged the proposed Sister City Agreement and assured that the Delhi government would soon move forward with the process after reviewing the document shared by BCMF and the Grozny city administration.
“We will carefully study the document and move ahead soon. This engagement opens a meaningful chapter in building city-to-city cultural and developmental cooperation,” she stated.
On India’s historic friendship with Russia, Shrimati Rekha Gupta added:
“We have an amazing bond with Russia, and in the future, we wish to see it grow stronger—especially in the realms of friendship, cultural exchange, and bilateral cooperation.”
Though she has not yet visited Russia, the Chief Minister expressed keen interest in doing so:
“I’ve never been to Russia, but I would certainly love to visit—especially Grozny, to witness its vibrant culture and continue building this powerful connection between our people.”
A Model for BRICS+ Urban and Cultural Diplomacy
The proposed Sister City Agreement aims to promote joint initiatives between New Delhi and Grozny in areas such as:
Cultural and educational exchange programs
Environmental sustainability and urban innovation
Youth, health, and sports initiatives
Tourism and traditional heritage collaborations
Peace-building and interfaith dialogue
This agreement is part of BCMF’s broader mission to enhance cooperation between cities across BRICS and BRICS Plus nations, using culture as a bridge to foster unity, peace, and development in a rapidly changing world.
The dialogue concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared vision of deepening India–Russia ties through the lens of city-level diplomacy and cultural engagement.
