India and France Sign Historic MOU for New National Museum Project

New Delhi: The National Museum of India has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the French Museum Development (FMD) on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the cultural exchange between the two nations. This ambitious collaboration aims to transform the iconic India National Museum into a global cultural beacon while preserving its unique historical architecture.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the crucial role of culture in soft power diplomacy. He stated, "Culture is the essence of soft power." Dr. Jaishankar further highlighted the importance of this cultural exchange as a key moment in India-France relations, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation.

The project, sprawling across 155,000 square meters in Delhi's North and South Block areas, will adopt France's architectural heritage preservation methods, incorporating the principle of adaptive reuse. Notable examples of this approach include the Louvre and the Grand Palais, where historical conservation seamlessly blends with modern functionality.

Dr. Jaishankar elaborated on the broader implications of this partnership, calling it a step towards strengthening the long-term strategic relationship between India and France. He noted that both nations view each other as important poles in an increasingly multipolar world. By enhancing cultural cooperation, India and France are solidifying their bilateral ties and contributing to creating a more democratic and inclusive global order.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in advancing cultural diplomacy and international cooperation, affirming the enduring relationship between two countries united by shared values and mutual aspirations.

Report By Sastat Tiwari