Agra (UP): Delegates from BRICS countries on Saturday visited the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, concluding their visit to the city for the three-day BRICS MSME Forum aimed at strengthening cooperation among member nations in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector.
The delegates spent around one-and-a-half hours at the Taj Mahal amid tight security and participated in a photo session while exploring the 17th-century monument.
According to local guide Ramesh, the visitors showed keen interest in the history and architecture of the mausoleum and asked several questions regarding its construction, the time taken to complete it, the materials used and the number of tourists who visit the monument annually.
According to official information, around 60 delegates from BRICS nations and nearly 150 officials are expected to participate in the programme.
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Uttar Pradesh minister Bhupendra Chaudhary are also scheduled to attend the event, officials said.
After attending the programme on Friday, the delegates will stay overnight in Agra. On Saturday morning, they are scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal.
They will also tour a footwear manufacturing unit and observe Agra’s shoe industry, which is known for its export-oriented production.
Later in the day, the delegation is expected to visit the Agra Fort as part of the official itinerary.
All delegates and officials are scheduled to leave for Delhi on Sunday morning, the officials added.
