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Strengthening Ties: Russia and India Unite for Cultural Initiatives
The cultural cooperation between Russia and India holds immense promise, with significant potential for enriching both nations. Through vibrant cultural exchanges, both countries can celebrate and share their rich traditions in art, literature, music, and dance
Friday, July 12, 2024

Tatiana Bokova, Intern of the Russian National Committee on BRICS Research – special for InfoBRICS

Russia and India are long-standing partners, and their cooperation since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India in 1993 and the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of India in 2000 has acquired a qualitatively new character. The states have maintained a strategic partnership over the years despite geopolitical changes. Both sides have set a bilateral investment target of $50 billion by 2025. Russia has become India’s largest supplier of crude oil, especially since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. India is a major supplier of pharmaceuticals to Russia. Russia is building a six-unit nuclear power plant in India, two of which have already been commissioned and two more are nearing completion.

Currently, both sides are interested in developing such promising areas as military-technical cooperation, nuclear energy and outer space. Undoubtedly, Russia and India cooperate in other areas, including politics, security, trade and economy, defence, science and high technology, as well as coordinating positions in multilateral formats. Cultural interaction between the economies is considered as the basis, which is manifested in the commonality of fundamental values of the peoples of the two states.

According to Russia’s Minister of Culture, Olga Lyubimova, the cultural cooperation between Russia and India serves as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and values between the two countries. This collaboration transcends the mere exchange of art and literature, as it encompasses a broader spectrum of cultural interactions.

Within the framework of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership, various institutionalised mechanisms are in place to ensure regular interaction and thereby enhance the level of cooperation between the states. An annual summit is held between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the Russian Federation, during which the parties sign important agreements and documents covering collaboration in nuclear energy, defence, security, trade, science, technology, etc. Bilateral cooperation mechanisms should also include those that directly coordinate Russian-Indian relations in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. Among them are the Russian-Indian Working Group on Culture and Tourism, the Russian Centres of Science and Culture in India, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Russia, and Rossotrudnichestvo's representative offices in India. For instance, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre maintains close cooperation with leading Russian institutions including the Moscow Institute of Philosophy, Literature and History, the Russian State University for the Humanities, the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies, etc., and conducts monthly yoga, dance, music and Hindi classes for about 500 students. In 2022, this centre organised a number of cultural events to mark the 75th anniversary of India's independence and the 75th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations.

In May 2023, New Delhi hosted a face-to-face meeting of the Working Group on Culture of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission. At this meeting, the parties engaged in discussions pertaining to the principal areas of cultural collaboration, including projects in the library sphere, the development of contacts in the field of creative education, and the advancement of museum and film development. The participants highlighted the importance of implementing the major project for cooperation, which involves exchanging cultural festivals. They also discussed their experiences and successful methods in building museums at the International Museum Expo 2023.

To facilitate this twofold process, scholarships and exchange programs have been established, providing financial assistance and creating opportunities for students to immerse themselves in each other's cultures. These initiatives are often supported by government policies and bilateral agreements, ensuring sustained engagement. For example, in January 2024, as part of the Rossotrudnichestvo programme, a teleconference took place between students of Lermontov School No. 1 in Pyatigorsk, Russia, and Vinayak Ganesh Vaze College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mumbai, India. Vinayak Ganesh Vaze College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mumbai, India. The participants learnt about each other's culture, history and traditions, and exchanged information about their education, interests and life plans.

The preservation of cultural heritage is another cornerstone of Russia-India cooperation. Joint efforts in restoring and preserving historical monuments and sites in both countries demonstrate a shared respect for cultural history. For instance, Russian experts have been involved in the restoration of ancient Indian temples, while Indian archaeologists have participated in projects to preserve Russian heritage sites. This collaborative approach extends to cultural festivals and exhibitions. The recent exhibition of Indian artifacts at the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg and the display of Russian art at the National Museum in New Delhi are prime examples. These exhibitions not only showcase the rich cultural heritages of both nations but also promote intercultural dialogue.

Besides education, Russia and India pay attention to other areas of cultural cooperation. At the ministerial level, they discuss the implementation of projects in library, museum and cultural education, as well as mutual holding of festivals of culture, cinema, dance, theatre, photography and other thematic seminars and conferences. Moreover, every year Rossotrudnichestvo tries to organise performances of creative vocal, choreographic, musical and theatrical groups within the framework of various festivals, as well as programmes dedicated to the Days of Russia, Slavonic Script and Culture, etc. Events related to the annual Russian and Indian Culture Days, the Russian in India and Indian in Russia Years, the Russian and Indian Film Days, the Tourism Years and others strengthen the role of cultural diplomacy between the States. For instance, the annual Russian Film Festival in India has become a cornerstone of this cultural exchange, offering Indian audiences a window into Russian society through the lens of cinema. This festival features a diverse array of Russian films, ranging from classic masterpieces to contemporary works, thereby promoting Russian culture and artistic achievements.

In 2023, Russian First Deputy Minister of Culture Sergey Obryvalin met with Indian Deputy Minister of Culture Minakashi Lekhi and expressed the common vision of the two countries to cherish culture and develop international cultural cooperation. Russia invited India to participate in the United Cultures Forum in St Petersburg in November 2023. The two sides discussed prospects for further expansion of cultural ties, including exchange of national cultural festivals and cooperation in film industry. Last year, the United Russia party also organised events at its regional headquarters to introduce Russians to the culture and traditions of friendly countries like India. These cultural programmes included workshops, presentations of national cuisine and festivals and helped strengthen cultural ties between Russia and India. Such activities are part of the Cultural Issue project, which covers 28 regions of Russia.

Thus, holding such events is aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Russia and India, as well as broadening horizons and enriching people’s knowledge of other countries. These activities also serve as a signal to other BRICS+ and friendly countries to support culture and traditions.

Currently, there are certain deficiencies in cultural co-tourism that obstruct the advancement of Russia and India to a new level in this realm. Geopolitical considerations loom prominently over collaborative endeavors. Historical alliances, regional dynamics, and global political shifts collectively shape the parameters of cooperation. In the context of shifting geopolitical dynamics, diplomats must demonstrate skillful navigation and adeptly align priorities to strike a balance between national interests and international cooperation.

Funding and resource allocation pose substantial challenges. Securing adequate resources for cultural initiatives and educational programs amidst competing national priorities requires innovative funding mechanisms and robust public-private partnerships. Sustainable investment in cultural diplomacy is indispensable to ensure the longevity and efficacy of collaborative initiatives. Bureaucratic hurdles add layers of administrative complexity. Procuring visas for artists, scholars, and performers entails negotiating intricate bureaucratic processes, demanding meticulous planning and adherence to regulatory frameworks. Coordinating logistics for exhibitions, performances, and academic exchanges similarly encounters administrative bottlenecks, necessitating adept navigation of bureaucratic landscapes to facilitate seamless cultural interactions.

Strengthening ties in higher education is crucial, necessitating the expansion of partnerships with Indian institutions through various means, such as teacher and student exchanges, as well as joint conferences and seminars. Numerous experts also emphasize the necessity of enhancing academic interaction and organizing periodic expert conferences on foreign policy and politico-military matters, both bilaterally and multilaterally. This is particularly essential within the SCO, RIC, and BRICS frameworks.

The cultural cooperation between Russia and India holds immense promise, with significant potential for enriching both nations. Through vibrant cultural exchanges, both countries can celebrate and share their rich traditions in art, literature, music, and dance. Institutions, such as the Russian Center of Science and Culture in New Delhi and the Indian Cultural Center in Moscow, play a pivotal role in facilitating these exchanges, fostering mutual understanding. The prospects for joint initiatives in preserving cultural heritage are particularly promising. Collaborative efforts in conserving historical sites, digitizing ancient manuscripts, and revitalizing traditional art forms can not only secure cultural identities, but also stimulate tourism and economic development. Furthermore, literary and artistic collaborations, including translation projects and film co-productions, can enrich the cultural landscapes of both countries and promote cross-cultural dialogue.

In conclusion, it seems inevitable that the existing cultural cooperation between Russia and India will undergo a period of considerable expansion, driven by a shared commitment to celebrating and preserving their rich cultural heritage. By capitalising on their historical connections and promoting inclusive cultural interactions, both states can enhance their bilateral relationship and contribute to a more interconnected and culturally diverse global community.

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