Abstract: The study examines the role of museum diplomacy in the strategic partnership of BRICS countries. The subject of the work is the key features, mechanisms, practices, and potential of museum diplomacy as a specific mechanism for intercultural dialogue and political cooperation among BRICS group participants. The author conceptualizes museum diplomacy as an independent direction of external cultural policy and an effective tool of "soft power." The work traces the evolution of inter-museum collaboration among the union's states from initial declarations to the creation of an extensive system of institutions and interaction mechanisms. Special attention is given to the potential of museum-exhibition activities in the context of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation – analyzing bilateral cooperation between Russia and the founding member countries (Brazil, India, China, South Africa) as well as with new members (Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, UAE, Ethiopia). The theoretical and methodological foundation of the work consists of the concepts of "soft power" and humanitarian diplomacy in its broader understanding. The author employs traditional document analysis, comparative legal, and historical-genetic methods. The source base of the research consists of official materials from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, diplomatic agencies, BRICS declarations and reports, media data, and information from museum internet resources. The author establishes that over the years of BRICS existence, museum interactions have become an integral part of the union's agenda, transforming from isolated random practices to more systematic and organized work both at the structural level as a whole and within the framework of bilateral contacts. Cooperation among countries is implemented through exhibition-exchange, research, and educational formats. Disproportions in the intensity and nature of inter-museum interaction between Russia and BRICS states have been identified. The deepest and most systematic ties have been built with China and India, while with other members, especially the recently joined, the regulatory and project base is just being formed, and initiatives are in the stage of discussion and development. At the same time, the development of museum diplomacy faces objective challenges, including geopolitical tensions, logistical, language, and legal barriers. Despite certain limitations, museum diplomacy allows participants to build sustainable humanitarian ties, alternative to the Western ones, strengthen their image on the world stage, promote their political interests, and popularize their national cultural heritage.

Keywords: museum diplomacy, BRICS, cultural policy, humanitarian diplomacy, soft power, international cooperation, Global South, intercultural dialogue, world cultural heritage, museum and exhibition activities