India and United Kingdom Deepen Cultural Cooperation

Source: The post India and United Kingdom Deepen Cultural Cooperation has been created, based on the article “Lighting the spark in U.K.-India cultural relations” published in “The Hindu” on 21st June 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: In May, the United Kingdom and India took a significant step in strengthening ties beyond trade by signing a wide-ranging cultural agreement. The Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC) highlights mutual focus on creativity, technology, and cultural exchange.

For detailed information on India-UK Relations- Significance, Challenges and The way ahead read this article here

Strengthening Bilateral Cultural Ties

1. Signing of the POCC: On May 2, the U.K. and India signed the Programme of Cultural Cooperation. It focuses on five areas: digital culture, exhibitions, events, cultural property, and sustainability. It promotes creative collaboration and economic growth.
2. Support from High-Level Leaders: U.K. Secretary of State for Culture Lisa Nandy and Indian Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat formalized the agreement. Ms. Nandy, the first Labour Cabinet Minister of Indian heritage, also addressed the WAVES summit in Mumbai, emphasizing joint creative potential.
3. Collaborative Institutions: The POCC connects India’s Ministry of Culture, the U.K.’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, and the British Council. Major U.K. institutions like Arts Council England, the British Museum, and the Natural History Museum are also partners.

The Creative Economy’s Global Rise

1. Sectoral Growth and Employment: The global creative sector is expanding fast and is expected to reach 10% of global GDP by 2030. India’s creative economy, valued at $35 billion, employs nearly 8% of its workforce, second only to agriculture.
2. India’s Cultural Strengths: India has a vast cultural base, a large youth population, and strong technological capacity. It also has over 300 universities and 3,000 colleges offering courses in arts, design, and architecture, producing a globally competitive workforce.
3. Non-Metro Creative Hubs: An Asian Development Bank report (2022) notes that six of India’s top ten creative hubs are in non-metro areas, such as Badgam and Tiruppur. This shows the depth of India’s cultural reach beyond major cities.

Innovation, Education, and Technology in Culture

1. Need for Skill Development: The creative sector faces a shortage of skilled workers. Meeting this challenge requires sustained investment in education, vocational training, and apprenticeships. International collaborations can build global competencies.
2. Digital Transformation: Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality are reshaping creative industries. The British Council’s report recommends integrating these into India’s creative education to prepare professionals for the digital shift.
3. Institutional Collaboration for Growth: Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions India as a global creative hub. Achieving this requires cooperation between government, industry, and academia, built on education, skill development, and international ties.

Cultural Projects and Public Diplomacy

1. Royal Enfield and Himalayan Knot: Royal Enfield, a U.K.-India brand, is preserving craft traditions through its Social Mission. With UNESCO, it works with 580 artisans in the Himalayas on the Himalayan Knot textile conservation project.
2. Arts Festivals and Exchanges: Events like the Serendipity Arts Festival’s Birmingham chapter and initiatives like Wales in India and the Hornbill Festival showcase how cultural programs build people-to-people bonds.
3. Shared Stories and Cultural Healing: In uncertain times, culture remains a powerful tool for connection and peace. The enduring stories and shared heritage between the U.K. and India offer hope, healing, and unity.