New Delhi, India — The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has found a unique way to highlight India's rich cultural tapestry: through thoughtfully curated media kits distributed to journalists covering the high-profile diplomatic event.
These goodie bags, an initiative coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), showcase a blend of traditional food products and handicrafts from various Indian states, alongside official BRICS-branded stationery and accessories.
Showcasing India's Rich Regional Heritage
Among the distinctive items included in the BRICS 2026 media kit are sattu and makhana from Bihar. Sattu, a nutritious flour often consumed as a drink, represents a significant part of Bihar’s culinary identity, while makhana (fox nuts) highlights one of the state’s key agricultural products. Their inclusion provides a direct taste of Bihar's traditional food culture to an international audience.
The kit also features aromatic coffee cultivated in the hills of Koraput, Odisha. This selection underscores Koraput's emergence as a vital coffee-growing region and introduces attendees to one of India's regional agricultural successes.
Adding to the cultural mosaic are various handicrafts from Gujarat. These artisanal products shine a spotlight on the state's long-standing traditions of craftsmanship and skilled artistry. Together, the contributions from Bihar, Odisha, and Gujarat transform the media kit into a compact yet comprehensive representation of India's regional identities and economic strengths.
Vasudev Ravi, OSD, PR, MEA, articulated the vision behind the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to present the "India Story" to both domestic and international media outlets covering the summit. Beyond the functional items like a flask, mug, tote bag, and charging cable, the BRICS 2026 media kit serves as a powerful symbol of India's vibrant cultural diversity, packaged alongside the formal proceedings of one of the world's major international groupings.