Why in the News?
India hosted the Second Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG), along with the Second Meeting of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery, in Hyderabad on August 4–5, 2026, under its BRICS Presidency.
Introduction
The BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) is a dedicated cooperation track constituted under India's 2026 BRICS Presidency, led by India's Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), to coordinate member-state cooperation on preventing and combating corruption. Its first meeting was held virtually in June 2026; the second, discussed here, was held in person in Hyderabad.
Meeting Details
Hosted By: Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, in Hyderabad, Telangana, on August 4–5, 2026.
Inaugurated By: Rachna Shah, Secretary, DoPT.
Participants: Delegates from BRICS member countries, along with senior policymakers, experts, practitioners and representatives of anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies.
Agenda / Focus of This Meeting
Fugitive Tracing: Strengthening informal cooperation for tracing fugitive offenders sought in corruption cases and supporting extradition proceedings.
Asset Recovery Cooperation: Enhancing information-sharing and operational cooperation through the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery.
FinTech Risk-Sharing: Sharing experiences and good practices on preventing and combating corruption-related risks arising from FinTech, digital assets and emerging digital financial instruments.
Side Event
Side Event: A dedicated side event, "Ethical Governance through Innovation and Tech-Driven Systems," was organised on August 5, 2026.
Significance
Indian Leadership: Reinforces India's leadership on multilateral anti-corruption cooperation during its BRICS Presidency year.
Practical Cooperation: Advances practical, actionable cooperation frameworks — particularly on asset recovery and fugitive tracing — among BRICS member states.