New Delhi : On the sidelines of the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Dr. Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri met with India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in tourism, cultural heritage and related areas.
The two sides highlighted the longstanding civilizational and cultural connections between Iran and India, describing tourism as an important area that can further strengthen the broader relationship between the two countries.
Discussions focused on expanding private-sector participation, health tourism and cooperation in heritage conservation. The two countries also explored the possibility of pursuing joint nominations for sites and traditions associated with the UNESCO World Heritage framework.
India expressed its willingness to cooperate with Iran in the restoration, preservation and publication of historical manuscripts, opening another avenue for collaboration in safeguarding the shared cultural heritage of both nations.
The Indian side also welcomed the Spice Route initiative and proposals for joint heritage registrations, reflecting growing interest in connecting the two countries through their shared history of trade, culture and intellectual exchange.
The meeting highlighted the potential for shared heritage and tourism to become stronger pillars of India-Iran relations, while opening new possibilities for cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement.