Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India’s relations with major powers, Issue: India-U.K. relations.
Context:
In May 2024, the United Kingdom (U.K.) and India ratified a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Alongside economic ties, a significant cultural agreement – the Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC) – was signed to boost cross-cultural collaboration.
Key Highlights:
Programme of Cultural Cooperation (POCC):
Significance:
The programme is directly linked to the creative economy and U.K.’s industrial strategy. It aims to foster economic growth through cultural exchange.
Significance of creative-cultural sectors:
- Wealth creation: Creative industries projected to contribute 10% to global GDP by 2030.
- Multilateral cooperation: G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit 2023 called for greater investment in creative sectors. India also reinforced this sector’s importance through WAVES Summit 2024 in Mumbai.
Significance of India-UK Collaboration:
- Boosts innovation: It enhances innovation through cross-border exchanges and taps into AI, AR/VR, immersive technologies, and sustainability themes.
- Value alignment: British Council’s report “Reimagining the Future” recommends aligning India’s education with industry via creative technologies.
India’s Cultural Potential:
- Creative economy: India’s creative economy is valued at $35 billion, contributing nearly 8% to its workforce.
- Young population: High youth demographic and digital tech growth make India ripe for creative collaboration.
- Educational arena: Over 3,000 colleges and universities in India offer courses in design, arts, architecture.
UK’s cultural potential:
- Cultural diplomacy: The British Council plays a central role in cultural diplomacy. Collaboration with U.K. institutions like British Library, British Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum Group.
- Potential: Over 1,700 accredited museums in the U.K. offer vast partnership potential.
| Global case studies:Enfield Motorcycles: UK-India brand working in Himalayas via Social Mission.UNESCO Partnership: Preserving cultural heritage in the Himalayan Knot with 580 artisans.Serendipity Arts Festival – Birmingham Chapter launched to highlight Indo-U.K. business storytelling. |
Measures to further strengthen cooperation:
- Continued cooperation: Requires structured and sustained cooperation among government, industry and academia
- Policy alignment: Need to align policies on education, skills, and innovation to build a strong global creative hub. PM Modi’s vision of India as a creative power aligns with this goal.
Conclusion:
The POCC serves as a soft power multiplier for both countries. Cultural diplomacy is not just about heritage, but a driver of innovation, inclusion, and economic development. The evolving partnership promises long-term gains through shared stories, technologies, and talent.
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