The United Kingdom and India have signed a landmark Cultural Cooperation Agreement aimed at deepening economic and cultural ties between the two nations, with significant benefits expected for the UK’s arts, creative industries, tourism, and sports sectors.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, currently on a three-day official visit to Mumbai and New Delhi, signed the agreement on Friday with India’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The deal marks a key milestone in the UK government's Plan for Change, designed to stimulate growth and international collaboration.
Accompanied by representatives from VisitBritain, the British Film Institute, and the Science Museum, Nandy’s delegation aims to promote stronger partnerships between British and Indian cultural institutions and creative enterprises. The agreement is expected to increase UK creative exports and enhance soft power by fostering connections between museums, artists, and innovators on both sides.
Nandy delivered a keynote speech on Thursday at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, where she spoke alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In her address, she highlighted the “living bridge” between the UK and India, celebrating the longstanding cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two countries.
Her itinerary also included a visit to the iconic Yash Raj Films Studio, underscoring the shared cinematic heritage of both nations and her desire to promote greater collaboration between Bollywood and the UK film industry.
“This agreement opens up fresh opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth,” Nandy said. “Growing up with proud Indian heritage, I’ve seen how the UK’s culture is enriched by the Indian diaspora—from food and fashion to literature and sport. It’s an honour to visit India and help forge an even closer partnership.”
Friday evening saw the Culture Secretary attend a British Council event in Delhi, previewing performances from the Serendipity Arts Festival. The festival is set to bring a mini-edition to Birmingham in May and a major showcase to London next year. At the same event, VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates launched the ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign, aimed at attracting Indian tourists by highlighting UK film and television locations.
The visit has also included engagement with India’s vibrant fashion scene, with Nandy touring boutique designers in Delhi’s Okhla neighbourhood. She also met with Indian female cricketers ahead of the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup and is scheduled to visit football coaches involved in the Premier League Primary Stars programme—a UK-India collaboration improving physical education in schools. The Premier League recently announced the opening of a new office in Mumbai to further these efforts.
Nandy is also expected to meet senior Indian government ministers, major investors, and business leaders to explore additional avenues of cultural and economic collaboration.
British-Indian cultural icons welcomed the agreement. Actor and writer Sanjeev Bhaskar noted that the arts serve as “a powerful, enjoyable way to bring people together,” while filmmaker Gurinder Chadha praised the initiative for unlocking “exciting new creative opportunities” for storytellers from both countries.
The UK and India continue to strengthen a relationship built on shared heritage, creativity, and ambition—one that this new agreement promises to elevate to new heights.
