Cultural Diplomacy

India and Italy are placing culture at the heart of their evolving Special Strategic Partnership. From UNESCO heritage twinning and cinema to tourism, education and creative exchange, the two countries are creating new avenues for people-to-people engagement. With the proposed 2027 Year of Culture and Tourism, this growing partnership offers an opportunity to transform shared heritage and cultural affinity into lasting diplomatic, economic and human connections.

As Kyrgyzstan hosts the 6th World Nomad Games, sport takes on a deeper diplomatic role-bringing India and Central Asia together through traditional games, shared heritage and cultural exchange. With an 87-member Indian contingent and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the opening ceremony, Bishkek 2026 offers a powerful reminder that sport can transcend borders and culture can build bridges between nations.

India’s 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M has captured the Group A title at the Kanizsa Open 2026 in Hungary, finishing with seven points from nine rounds. The Karaikudi-born chess talent’s victory adds another international achievement to India’s growing chess profile and highlights the rise of a new generation of Indian players making their mark on the global sporting stage.

Indian jockey Suraj Narredu has created history in Japan by becoming the first Indian rider to claim a victory under the Japan Racing Association (JRA). His landmark win at Sapporo, achieved during the 2026 World All-Star Jockeys competition, marks a significant moment for Indian horse racing and highlights the country’s growing presence on the international sporting stage.