The Wales government has officially partnered with the prestigious Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, one of India’s most celebrated cultural events.
The partnership was confirmed at a signing ceremony held at the British Council office in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, where Welsh government representatives, the British Council, and Wales Arts International formalised the agreement with Nagaland's Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.
British Council Wales Director, Ruth Mari Cocks, represented the Welsh government during the signing.
The collaboration marks the conclusion of 'Wales in India 2024', a year-long celebration designed to bolster cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Neiphiu Rio, during his visit to Wales, also met with Huw Irranca-Davies MS, the Welsh Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
Additionally, he held talks with Jack Sargeant MS, the newly-appointed Welsh Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership.
Expressing his gratitude, Rio remarked, “I am confident that this partnership will strengthen ties between India and Wales, increase people-to-people contact, and open up opportunities for young people.”
He further noted Nagaland’s rich heritage and extended an invitation for Wales to experience “the land of festivals” at the upcoming event.
The delegation led by Rio toured various institutions in Wales, including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff Metropolitan University’s School of Sports and Health Sciences.
Rio shared his aspirations for Nagaland students to pursue courses at these institutions and for musicians and artists from the region to perform in Wales.
British Council India Director, Alison Barrett MBE, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “The Hornbill Festival is an important part of the Wales in India 2024 celebrations of two nations of culture and innovation.”
He looked forward to “bringing artists and speakers from Wales to collaborate and showcase their work to audiences in Nagaland.”
The Hornbill Festival, set to take place in December, will serve as a platform for Welsh and Indian cultures to interact, fostering creative exchanges and mutual understanding.
With plans for collaboration in the arts, education, and beyond, the partnership symbolises a growing relationship between Wales and India.
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