BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting 2026

Why in News?

Hyderabad is hosting the second meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) and the second meeting of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery on 4–5 August 2026. The meetings are being organised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026. Around 40 delegates from the 11 BRICS member countries are expected to participate in discussions on anti-corruption cooperation, asset recovery, and technology-driven governance.

About BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting 2026

The BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) is a specialised cooperation mechanism established within the BRICS framework to strengthen collaboration among member countries in preventing corruption, improving transparency, and promoting integrity in public administration. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, capacity building, and coordinated efforts to combat corruption that affects economic growth and sustainable development.

A major focus of the Hyderabad meeting will be the work of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery, which aims to strengthen international cooperation in tracing, freezing, confiscating, and repatriating assets obtained through corruption and other financial crimes. Since illicit financial assets are often transferred across national borders, effective international coordination is essential for recovering these proceeds and ensuring accountability.

The meetings will discuss several important issues, including:

• Cross-border corruption investigations.
• Recovery and return of illicit financial assets.
• International legal cooperation.
• Transparency and accountability in governance.
• Institutional capacity building.
• Best practices in anti-corruption enforcement.

The meetings will be inaugurated by Rachna Shah, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training. On 5 August 2026, a special side event titled “Ethical Governance through Innovation and Tech-Driven Systems” will examine how digital technologies can strengthen public administration through:

• Digital public procurement.
• Technology-enabled governance.
• Citizen engagement platforms.
• Transparent service delivery.
• Data-driven accountability mechanisms.

These discussions are expected to promote the adoption of digital governance tools that reduce corruption risks while improving efficiency and public trust.

Related Information

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping that promotes cooperation among major emerging economies in areas such as economic development, trade, finance, health, science and technology, security, and governance. Following its expansion in 2024, BRICS now consists of 11 member countries:

• Brazil
• Russia
• India
• China
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Iran
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Indonesia

India assumed the BRICS Presidency for 2026 and is hosting several ministerial and working-group meetings during the year. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), functioning under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, is the nodal department responsible for personnel administration, public service reforms, capacity building, and vigilance matters in the Government of India.

Preparations for the Hyderabad meetings included a virtual ACWG meeting in June 2026, while Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju reviewed arrangements related to security, transport, accommodation, and medical facilities to ensure the successful conduct of the international event.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Event: Second BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting.
• Dates: 4–5 August 2026.
• Venue: Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Host Country: India under the BRICS Presidency 2026.
• Organising Ministry/Department: Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
• Expected Delegates: Around 40.
• Current BRICS Membership: 11 countries.
• Key Focus Areas: Anti-corruption cooperation, asset recovery, illicit financial flows, transparency, and accountability.
• Expert Mechanism: BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery.
• Side Event: “Ethical Governance through Innovation and Tech-Driven Systems”.
• Topics in Side Event: Digital public procurement, e-governance, citizen engagement, and technology-driven transparency.
• Asset Recovery: The process of tracing, freezing, confiscating, and returning proceeds of corruption and other illicit financial assets.
• Preparatory Meeting: First virtual ACWG meeting held in June 2026.
• Administrative Preparation: Reviewed by Telangana Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju.