India, Russia renew Cultural Exchange Programme

NEW DELHI: India and Russia today decided to renew the Cultural Exchange Programme for 2015-2018 and strengthen ties between their state-owned broadcasters.

This was decided in the 20th meeting of India-Russia Working Group on Culture and Tourism of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, a press release here said.

The meeting also decided to hold Festival of India in Russia in 2015 and strengthen links with Roerich International Memorial Trust in the village of Naggar in Kullu Valley.

The two countries decided to provide assistance in the development of direct ties and contacts between Prasar Bharati and All Russian State Television and Radio Company, the release added.

The meeting was chaired by Joint Secretary of Culture V Srinivas. Apart from Ministry of Culture, the other participants from the Indian side comprised representatives Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of I & B.

From the Russian side, Elena Milovzorova, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation headed the five-member delegation, the release said.