May 02, 2025: The United Kingdom and India have taken a significant step towards strengthening their cultural, creative, and economic ties with the signing of a new bilateral Cultural Cooperation Agreement. The pact, signed by UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy and India’s Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, is aimed at deepening cooperation across the arts, culture, creative industries, tourism, and sports sectors.
Nandy, who is of Indian heritage, is on a three-day official visit to Mumbai and New Delhi, accompanied by top representatives from VisitBritain, the British Film Institute, and the Science Museum. Their goal: to foster new partnerships between UK and Indian cultural institutions and open doors for increased UK creative exports.
At the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present, Nandy delivered a keynote celebrating the “living bridge” between the UK and India, emphasizing their rich cinematic and storytelling traditions. She later toured Yash Raj Films Studio, highlighting the growing popularity of Bollywood in the UK and the potential for joint film projects.
Nandy, reflecting on her Indian roots, said, “Growing up as a mixed-race child with proud Indian heritage, I saw firsthand how the UK’s culture is enriched by the Indian diaspora. This agreement opens up fresh opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”
The visit also includes her participation in several cultural and community engagements:
- A marquee event at the British Council in Delhi, previewing the Serendipity Arts Festival, set for Birmingham (May) and London (next year).
- Launch of the Starring GREAT Britain tourism campaign in India by VisitBritain, tapping into film and TV locations to attract Indian tourists.
- Interactions with Indian fashion designers in Delhi’s Okhla neighborhood.
- Meetings with female cricketers ahead of India hosting the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
- Sessions with Premier League coaches involved in primary school sports education, following the League’s announcement of a new Mumbai office.
The agreement marks a milestone in leveraging culture as a bridge for diplomacy and economic collaboration, with both countries pledging to nurture mutual growth in creative and tourism sectors.