The India-Russia Working Group on Culture and Tourism Meets

Both the Countries to Renew the Cultrual Exchange Programme

India and Russia have expressed their keenness for   cultural exchanges/cooperation in the fields of exhibitions, libraries, visits of crafts persons, visit of writers’ delegation, contemporary and visual arts, archives, theatre art, contemporary visual art etc. Both the countries will renew the Cultural Exchange Programme 2015-2018. This was decided in the 20th meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Culture and Tourism of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation held here today.  The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary Culture, Shri V. Srinivas. Apart from Ministry of Culture the other participants from the Indian side comprised of Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of I & B.  From the Russian side, Mrs. Elena Milovzorova, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation headed the five member delegation. The meeting is alternatively held in India and Russia every years as per the provisions laid down in the Russian-India Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Economic, Scientific and Technical and Cultural Cooperation.  Both the side expressed satisfaction on the successful implementation of the Protocol of the 19th Meeting of the Programme of Cultural Exchange between the two Governments for the years 2013-15. Both the sides agreed to assist each other in sending information on forthcoming international book fairs in both countries and also for exchange of film related events, reciprocal participation in the International Film Festivals to be held in both countries in accordance with their respective  regulations.  The two sides agreed to hold the following activities and 2015: ·        To hold Festival of India in Russia in Russian Federation in 2015. ·        To renew the Cultural Exchange Programme 2015-2018 ·        To strengthen links with Roerich International Memorial Trust in the village of Naggar in Kullu Valley. ·        To provide assistance in the development of direct ties  and contacts between the Prasar Bharati and the All Russian State Television and Radio Company.