Saudi and Indian Ministers Unite to Strengthen Cultural and Tourism Ties
Riyadh – A new chapter in Saudi-India relations unfolded as Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with Indian Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Riyadh.
The meeting marked a significant step in reinforcing the cultural bridge between the two countries and expanding their tourism collaboration on a global scale.
Held on the sidelines of the 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly, the discussions reflected the growing spirit of partnership between the two nations.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of preserving heritage, encouraging artistic exchange, and boosting tourism opportunities that highlight their rich traditions.
Prince Badr bin Abdullah and Minister Shekhawat exchanged ideas on new areas of cooperation. These include joint cultural festivals, tourism projects, museum collaborations, and student exchange programs to promote cross-cultural understanding.
Shekhawat commended the warm hospitality extended by the Saudi government. He expressed optimism about building long-term cultural and economic linkages that align with Saudi Vision 2030 and India’s global tourism outreach initiatives.
He also emphasized that India and Saudi Arabia share deep historical and spiritual connections that have evolved into dynamic modern partnerships. This cooperation, he said, is rooted in mutual respect and shared goals of cultural enrichment and sustainable tourism growth.
In addition to his meeting with Prince Badr, Shekhawat held bilateral discussions with tourism ministers from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and South Africa. These talks focused on advancing international tourism partnerships and developing collaborative frameworks for global heritage preservation.
During his visit, the Indian minister attended a dinner hosted by Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The event brought together ministers from various countries, providing a platform for dialogue on sustainable tourism and global cooperation.
Shekhawat highlighted that India continues to expand its presence in global tourism networks. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to building partnerships that foster cultural diplomacy and mutual prosperity through creative industries and tourism exchange.
The meeting underscored the shared vision of both nations to use culture and tourism as instruments of global unity. Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in cultural infrastructure and India’s dynamic tourism sector make the partnership a powerful force for regional development.
Experts note that this collaboration will open new opportunities for cultural tourism, academic research, and joint exhibitions. It will also promote innovation in heritage conservation, creative industries, and community-based tourism initiatives.
The strengthening of Saudi-Indian cultural ties is seen as a positive example of how nations can blend tradition with modernity. It showcases how shared cultural values and mutual understanding can shape a more connected and inclusive world.
The meeting concluded with optimism for a promising future where Saudi Arabia and India continue to celebrate their diverse cultural legacies. Both sides expressed their intent to transform this partnership into long-lasting cooperation that benefits artists, travelers, and future generations alike.
