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Iran, India to form joint working group to boost cultural heritage cooperation
The meeting, attended by Mohammad Fath’ali, Iran’s ambassador to India, took place on the sidelines of the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is hosting global delegates in the Indian capital.
Darabi and Agarwal reached consensus on forming a joint working group to coordinate practical cooperation, with a particular focus on restoration and protection of historic sites.
Darabi described the initiative as a step toward “deepening shared expertise and safeguarding our common heritage.”
Both sides outlined plans for specialized workshops to exchange technical knowledge in conservation. Discussions also covered reciprocal museum exhibitions, including a showcase of Iranian artefacts in India and Indian artefacts in Iran, aimed at broadening public access to each nation’s heritage.
Officials further agreed to explore joint nominations for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Darabi noted that the collaboration would underscore “shared civilizational bonds” and formalize recognition of historical and cultural connections between the two countries.
The agreement builds on long-standing cultural ties. In previous exchanges, India’s ambassador to Iran highlighted Persia as one of the world’s oldest civilizations and advocated for richer engagement through museum programs and cultural festivals reflecting millennia of shared history.
The creation of the working group institutionalizes these efforts, providing a structured framework for curator training, joint conservation projects, and coordinated protection of intangible cultural elements. Iranian heritage authorities are seeking to convert diplomatic goodwill into concrete programs that strengthen technical expertise and public outreach.
The New Delhi session has been significant for Iran’s heritage diplomacy. During the meeting, Persian mirror-work, or Ayeneh-Kari, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The traditional art involves decorating architectural surfaces with cut and shaped mirrors arranged in geometric or organic patterns to reflect light.