Bilateral Cultural Relations

Bilateral Cultural Relations :

Indo-French relations in the field of culture are vibrant and active and there are regular culture exchanges between the two countries. French interest in India has widened, and extends beyond traditional aspects of Indian culture. This new interest touches almost every domain: art and culture, cinema, heritage, literature and languages. Speaking of ‘French interest’ – this includes both art-lovers from mainland France and its overseas territories. Indian culture in France is also creating space for itself beyond Paris – in all the big cities and smallest of the towns.

Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) :

The bilateral cooperation in the domain of culture falls under the purview of the Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP). The last Indo-French CEP was signed in February 2007 in New Delhi. A number of important events were held under this bilateral accord over the years. Some of the significant events including Year-long Festival of India in France in 1985-86, reciprocally followed by the Festival of France in India in 1990-91; a major exhibition "the Golden Age of Classical India" – the Gupta Empire" held at the prestigious Grand Palais in 2007; a month long event "Incredible India" held at the Jardin d’Acclimation from April-May 8, 2007; festival focused on India as country of Honour sponsored by the well known fashion home "Hermes" at the prestigious Chantilly Hippodrome and as guest of honour at Salon du Livre in 2007 and in the Poetry market in June 2008. Under the existing CEP the Embassy is currently in the process of organising all-encompassing India-focused events in France for year 2010 and 2011, some of which include the Festival d’Automne, a Tribal Arts Exhibition in musee Quai Branly, a contemporary Arts Exhibition in Centre George Pompidou and a film festival with Musee Guimet. Under the same accord, the Embassy is also coordinating with French counterparts implementation of a four-month-long French cultural festival in India commencing in October 2009.

ICCR and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting :

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are the implementing agencies of CEP as well as the bilateral scholarships in different cultural domains. Annually 5-6 candidates are selected for the scholarship. So far since 1986 a total of 155 candidates have been covered under scholarships (in cultural domain) programme. Under the CEP bilateral exchange of students in the field of film-making had 1- 2 students being sponsored by Le Femis (Ecole Nationale Superieure des métiers de l’image et du son) – Institute of film-making, Paris each year.

Bilateral Visits:

Several important visits have taken place in recent years including the visit to France of Minister of Tourism and Culture Ms Ambika Soni in 2007 and by a French delegation of 9 Senators from the Cultural Affairs Commission to India from April 20 to 26, 2008. Secretarial level visits include visit of Ms Asha Swarup, Secretary Information & Broadcasting to Cannes in 2007 and Annecy in June 2008 and Ms Veronique Cayla, President CNC to India in January 2008. DG ICCR is due to visit on April 2009.