IGNCA Hosts International Conference on India’s Maritime and Cultural Influence Across the Indian Ocean

New Delhi: In a significant initiative to explore India’s maritime heritage and cultural influence, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in collaboration with the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) at SGT University, inaugurated a two-day international conference titled “Monsoon: The Sphere of Cultural and Trade Influence” in New Delhi. This conference, which runs until February 13, 2025, is a part of Project Mausam, an Indian transnational initiative under the Ministry of Culture, focusing on historical maritime interactions and cultural linkages among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations.

The inaugural session was graced by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as the Chief Guest, alongside keynote speaker Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, who delivered the welcome address. Also present were Prof. Amogh Rai, Research Director, ASIA, SGT University, and Dr. Ajith Kumar, Director of Project Mausam.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat underscored India’s deep-rooted connections with the IOR, emphasizing that the country’s influence extends far beyond commerce and trade. He noted that India’s intellectual and cultural traditions have significantly shaped societies across the region. “India’s impact is visible in those who came as students, monks, or even as aggressors, carrying with them the essence of our cultural progress. This diversity has fostered unity over thousands of years,” he remarked.

The Minister also spoke about the vision of Project Mausam, which aims to showcase a Transnational Mixed Route of Natural and Cultural Heritage. He reiterated that culture serves as a unifying factor, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in cultural diplomacy.

The conference comes at a time when India is deepening its maritime partnerships. Recently, India and France concluded their Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi, discussing strategies to counter piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, hybrid and cyber threats, and marine pollution. Additionally, Oman is set to host the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (February 16-17, 2025), focusing on “Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”, while the Indian Navy’s TROPEX 2025, its largest operational exercise, is currently underway.

By highlighting India’s historical maritime trade routes, port city networks, and coastal settlements, the conference aims to integrate cultural and strategic narratives into India’s evolving Indo-Pacific policies.

In his keynote address, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe stressed the importance of revitalizing India’s cultural bonds with Southeast Asia, advocating for a shift from Eurocentric perspectives. He emphasized the monsoon as a symbol of enduring connections and called for a more profound engagement through the Act East policy.

He further outlined the need to strengthen:

• Dharma-Dhamma relations
• Educational and technological collaborations
• Climate change strategies
• Cultural and linguistic exchanges

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, highlighted India’s expanding cultural footprint, stating that studies under Project Mausam have already identified over 70 countries with historical and cultural ties to India. He emphasized that IGNCA’s ongoing research on South and Central Asia aims to extend these studies, fostering international cooperation in cultural preservation.

Prof. Amogh Rai described the monsoon as a cultural multiplier, influencing historical trade and migration patterns. Dr. Ajith Kumar, concluding the session, reiterated the significance of India’s maritime legacy in shaping modern international relations.

The conference serves as a stepping stone for deeper academic collaborations, heritage conservation efforts, and policy dialogues. It aligns seamlessly with India’s vision for regional cooperation and cultural diplomacy, reinforcing its historical role as a central force in the Indian Ocean Region.