India has underlined the importance of culture as a powerful tool for promoting dialogue, building trust among nations, and advancing sustainable development during a meeting of culture ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Representing the country at the gathering, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said cultural exchanges play a crucial role in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering mutual understanding among member states.

Addressing the SCO meeting, the minister said culture goes beyond preserving heritage and traditions, serving as a bridge that connects societies with diverse histories, languages, and beliefs. He noted that cultural cooperation helps reduce misunderstandings, encourages dialogue, and creates a foundation of trust that supports peace and long-term regional stability. According to India, these shared values are essential for achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth across the SCO region.

Highlighting India’s civilisational legacy, Shekhawat said the country has always viewed cultural diversity as a source of strength. He pointed to India’s long tradition of coexistence, respect for different faiths, and preservation of heritage as examples of how culture can contribute to harmony within societies as well as among nations. He stressed that cultural diplomacy has become an increasingly important pillar of international engagement in a rapidly changing global environment.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cultural cooperation with SCO member countries through exchanges involving museums, archaeology, literature, performing arts, films, tourism, and heritage conservation. The minister said such initiatives can create stronger bonds between people while encouraging greater appreciation of the region’s shared cultural and historical links. Enhanced collaboration in these areas, he added, can generate new opportunities for education, tourism, and economic development.

During the meeting, India highlighted several national initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism. The country reiterated its willingness to share expertise in heritage conservation, digital documentation of historical sites, museum development, and cultural capacity building with other SCO members. It also invited participating countries to deepen collaboration through joint projects, cultural festivals, academic exchanges, and tourism partnerships.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has increasingly expanded its focus beyond security and economic cooperation to include cultural and people-centric initiatives. India said that stronger cultural engagement among member nations can complement broader regional cooperation by fostering goodwill, strengthening mutual respect, and creating lasting partnerships based on shared civilisational values. The country maintained that culture remains one of the most effective means of promoting dialogue and addressing common global challenges through peaceful engagement.

India’s intervention at the SCO culture ministers’ meeting reflects its broader diplomatic emphasis on using cultural heritage and soft power to strengthen international partnerships. By advocating greater cultural collaboration, India reaffirmed its belief that preserving heritage, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and promoting mutual understanding can contribute significantly to peace, trust, and sustainable development across the region.