British India Minister Lisa Nandy signs India-UK cultural agreement in Delhi

In a bold step to deepen creative ties between two cultural powerhouses, Britain’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, on Friday signed a landmark UK-India Cultural Cooperation agreement with India’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The agreement, finalised during Nandy’s diplomatic visit to India, aims to strengthen collaboration in the arts, heritage, and creative industries across both nations.

“This pact recognises the extraordinary global leadership of both Britain and India in the arts and creative sectors. I am excited for the fresh avenues this will open up—for innovation, shared storytelling, and economic opportunity,” said Nandy, speaking through a press release issued by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The UK-India Cultural Cooperation programme is designed to create robust, long-term partnerships between artists, cultural institutions, and creative businesses. From knowledge exchange on heritage conservation and museum management to joint exhibitions and public programmes, the agreement signals a dynamic new chapter in UK-India relations.

Heritage Meets Innovation

As part of the agreement’s implementation, the British Council in India will work closely with the Indian Ministry of Culture. Renowned UK institutions like the British Museum, the British Library, the V&A Museum, the Science Museum Group, and Arts Council England are expected to contribute expertise in digitisation, curation, and heritage protection.

A core ambition of the pact is to enhance access to South Asian manuscripts and ensure the safeguarding of cultural property. Both governments have committed to combating illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts, aligning with UNESCO’s global standards.

“This is personal for me,” Lisa Nandy shared. “Growing up as a mixed-race child with proud Indian heritage, I saw how deeply the UK’s cultural landscape has been shaped by Indian contributions—whether in music, literature, or cuisine. It’s an honour to return to this incredible country to build bridges that reflect our shared stories and dreams.”

Cinema, Cricket, and Cross-Cultural Storytelling

During her multi-city visit, Lisa Nandy also made a powerful pitch for closer cinematic ties at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai. Touring the legendary Yash Raj Films Studio, Lisa underscored the importance of collaborative storytelling between Bollywood and British cinema.

“India already accounts for nearly 30% of non-English language film releases in the UK,” Lisa noted. “But beyond screen time, I envision a revolution in co-productions—new narratives emerging from both countries, reaching global audiences with fresh, authentic voices.”

From independent Indian cinema to cross-border film festivals, the UK-India Cultural Cooperation agreement aims to act as a catalyst for cinematic innovation that transcends language and geography.

Empowering Youth Through Sport and Education

Lisa Nandy’s visit also included engagement with the next generation of changemakers. In Mumbai, she met with young female cricketers at the Sharad Pawar Sports Club—just ahead of India’s preparations to host the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025. On Saturday in New Delhi, she will meet coaches involved in the Premier League’s Primary Stars programme, a UK-India collaboration to enhance physical education in schools.

The Premier League recently announced plans to open a permanent office in Mumbai—another signal of deepening people-to-people ties through sport.

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